Canada awards new contract to Safran as part of Victoria-class Modernization

Noah Note

The Department of National Defence has released the following statement following a new contract award to Safran regarding Victoria-class Modernization:

“As part of the modernization of the Victoria-class submarines, the Royal Canadian Navy | Marine royale canadienne (RCN) is upgrading its periscopes. Canada recently awarded a contract to Safran Trusted 4D Canada Inc. to provide digital periscopes, as well as initial in-service support, training services for operation and maintenance, and onboard spare parts and testing equipment. The value of the contract is $118 million (excluding tax).

The improved technical features and quality of the digital periscopes will significantly increase the RCN's ability to conduct intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Installation of the periscopes will begin in 2030, with work expected to be completed by the end of 2033. The in-service support will begin once the first-of-class trials have been completed.”

The systems being provided will be the Safran (formerly Sagem) Series 30 SOM and Series 30 AOM combination masts. The Series 30 family are non-hull penetrating optronic masts. Unlike traditional optical periscopes that require penetrating the submarine's pressure hull, the Series 30 family utilize a modular sensor pod mounted on an external hoisting mechanism.

Both the SOM and AOM share identical mechanical, electronic, and software interfaces, including the hoisting system, internal wiring, and control cabinets. This commonality allows navies to swap sensor pods based on specific mission profiles without requiring structural modifications to the hull.

The Series 30 SOM is designed primarily for panoramic detection, above-surface surveillance, navigation safety, and general intelligence gathering. It can accommodate up to four fully-digital optronic channels that can be operated simultaneously.

The standard sensor suite includes a third-generation, high-definition 3-5 µm cooled thermal imager, a true HDTV color camera, a low-light-level (LLL) TV anti-blooming camera, and an eye-safe laser rangefinder.

In addition to its electro-optical payload, the mast integrates electronic warfare (EW) and communication components, supporting early warning Electronic Support Measures (ESM) sensors, GPS receivers, and aerial telecommunication antennas.

The Series 30 AOM is optimized specifically for the attack phase and discreet intelligence gathering, where a minimal radar cross-section and low visual signature are critical. To achieve a lower observable profile, the AOM features a significantly reduced physical volume above the waterline compared to the SOM.

Its baseline optronic payload consists of a third-generation high-definition thermal imager and a true HDTV color camera. Depending on operational requirements, the AOM can be augmented with an eye-safe laser rangefinder, a Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) thermal imager, and a day/night backup camera.

Like the SOM, it simultaneously supports up to four optronic channels and integrates an ESM/GPS antenna, specifically tailored for early warning and direction-finding ESM capabilities.

Both systems, funny enough, are integrated onto the Batch I KSS-III. The Batch II swaps the SOM for the Hensoldt SERO 400 periscope. Unlike the SOM, the SERO 400 utilizes both digital sensors and a traditional glass periscope; this same system is also utilized on the KSS-II.

​The Koreans' reasoning for this seems entirely based on the fact that they just like having a traditional periscope—and really like the SERO 400. Can't fault that. For Canada, we have been offered either/or, assuming we're looking OTS here. I caution, though, that this move should not be considered some sort of subtle lead-in to the KSS-III, but is a fun fact.

​The Victoria-class Modernization is intended to modernize the Victoria-class until a replacement comes into service in the mid-2030s. It includes twelve projects that—along with the new periscopes—include things like Galley Improvements, Acoustic Quieting upgrades, new Air Monitoring systems, and a new Flank Array sonar.

​Of course, by the time most of these come to pass, the Victoria-class will already be close to the end of her service life. By the time we reach FOC for the periscope modernization, as an example, the first Canadian Patrol Submarine will already be delivered.

​This is where that ‘billion in savings’ from Hanwha comes in. It not only includes things like maintenance and upkeep savings, but also savings related to the Victoria-class Modernization. Nevertheless, we want to keep our existing platforms as modern as possible, even as a safety option, and keep skillsets sharp by allowing the crew to operate modern equipment ahead of the CPSP.

​It's about relevancy, if I can use that here; relevancy in the platforms and relevancy in the crew, if that makes sense. Either way, very interesting to see. It's gonna be kinda funny to compare what the final configuration of the Victoria-class will look like compared to whatever platform replaces them.