Babcock Canada (Babcock) and COTA Aviation (COTA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop sovereign manufacturing solutions for the KSS-III Batch-II Weapons Handling and Launch Systems (WHLS) under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
With over 40 years of global experience, Babcock, the Prime Contractor of the Victoria In-Service Support Contract, is a recognized leader in WHLS design and manufacturing. Delivering safe and proven solutions to navies globally, Babcock has integrated more weapon payload types than any other organization, including for Canada’s Victoria-class and South Korea’s KSS-III submarines.
COTA is a Canadian advanced manufacturing company with controlled aerospace and defence manufacturing experience, digitally enabled production systems, and direct Royal Canadian Navy project experience as a prime contractor. COTA is building integrated industrial capability that can move beyond individual manufacturing steps and support more complete, defence-ready outcomes from within Canada’s own supply base, including sovereign manufacturing solutions for complex naval systems such as Weapons Handling and Launch Systems.
COTA will play a key role in Babcock’s comprehensive CPSP sustainment solution, which has job creation, skills transfer, and industrial participation in Canada at the core of its delivery. As Canada assertively moves toward a “Build Canadian First” defence framework, Babcock and COTA’s partnership is well positioned to play a critical and meaningful role in expanding domestic capability and capacity.
“This MOU represents an important step in our shared vision to strengthen Canada’s sovereign naval sustainment capability. As Babcock plans to deliver an all-encompassing and purpose-built submarine sustainment solution, this partnership enables us to develop a domestic manufacturing capability, while leveraging a Canadian subject matter expert and building on the Government of Canada’s localization strategies.” – Tony March, CEO, Babcock Canada
“This MOU marks a significant milestone in COTA’s growth as a Canadian defence manufacturer. It recognizes the capability our team has built and creates a pathway to apply that capability to future submarine systems. We are proud to work with Babcock to help bring more high-value naval manufacturing work, skilled jobs, and technical knowledge into Canada’s industrial base.” – Kyle Kusznieryk, CEO, COTA Aviation
This MOU follows a previous Industrial and Technological Benefits project between both companies, where Babcock provided early-stage support for COTA to transform itself into a digitally enabled manufacturer. In 2024, both organizations continued their partnership working together on COTA’s contract to replace and modernize obsolescent galley components on the four Victoria-class submarines.
Babcock is dedicated to building a sovereign, innovative, and collaborative Canadian defence ecosystem, preserving Canadian company value, and supporting and securing domestic growth and ownership, while protecting Canada’s interests. Babcock remains committed to championing Canadian small and medium-sized businesses, such as COTA, by connecting high-potential subject matter experts to real operational challenges sooner and more effectively, providing timely access to the best solutions Canada has to offer.
