OTTAWA, July 20, 2026 — The Government of Canada has awarded Babcock Canada a six-year extension to the Victoria In-Service Support Contract (VISSC), ensuring continued maintenance, engineering, and sustainment services for the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Victoria-class submarines.
Babcock Canada serves as the Prime Contractor for Canada’s only industry-led submarine in-service support program. The extension builds on more than 18 years of partnership and includes the potential for further extensions through the end of the fleet’s service life. This arrangement is designed to deliver uninterrupted support as Canada transitions to its future submarine capability under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
“This contract extension continues our longstanding partnership and delivery of this important sovereign and strategic capability,” said Tony March, CEO of Babcock Canada. “The extension builds on our core position as Canada’s submarine sustainment partner delivering world-class support and will drive enhanced outcomes for the existing Victoria-class fleet. It will also enable Canada’s submarine sustainment enterprise to achieve a smooth transition to Canada’s future submarine capability.”
Through the VISSC, Babcock has delivered significant economic benefits to Canada including more than $3.2 billion in GDP impact since 2008, sustained more than 1,500 jobs annually, and supported a robust Canadian supply chain involving over 450 suppliers.
The company has also strengthened Canada’s defence industrial base by collaborating with universities, colleges, Indigenous communities, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on skills development, training, and innovation.
As Canada advances the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), Babcock states it is ready to deliver a comprehensive, purpose-built, and sovereign sustainment solution. The company’s experience leading the VISSC is expected to position its specialized workforce and supply chain for the expanded fleet arriving in the 2030s, should Babcock be selected as the sustainment partner for the new submarines.
The Victoria-class submarines remain a key component of Canada’s maritime defence capabilities. The extended contract ensures the fleet continues to receive the engineering expertise, maintenance, and platform knowledge required to maintain operational readiness.
Babcock Canada has been a trusted partner of the Royal Canadian Navy for over 18 years, delivering critical support services that underpin Canada’s submarine operations.
Source: Official press release issued by Babcock Canada on July 20, 2026.
