Canada looks at joining effort to upgrade missiles

OTTAWA — The Canadian government is considering joining an international effort to upgrade naval missiles.

The Canadian navy started using the Sea Sparrow missile on its ships in the 1970s, before purchasing the upgraded Evolved Sea Sparrow in 2005. That purchase cost about $500 million, the Defence Department says. The new effort, led by the United States, will focus on improving the Evolved Sea Sparrow so it can operate until 2030.

The current weapon is designed to protect ships from incoming missiles, as well as attacks by aircraft. The U.S., Canada, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Thailand and Turkey all use the Evolved Sea Sparrow.

The proposed upgrade would take into account new missile technology being developed by nations considered unfriendly to Canada or its allies.

“It’s very easy to change anti-ship missiles to manoeuvre differently or to evade our missiles,” said Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Wade Carter, director of navy requirements. “We have to update our technology.”

Previously, military analysts have raised concerns about the increasing military capabilities of countries such as China and Iran.

Carter labelled the changes “a generational upgrade.”

Various countries now using the Evolved Sea Sparrow would be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the upgraded version.

Although the Canadian government has yet to agree to take part in the project, that approval is expected by the end of the year, say military and industry sources.