AOPS CCGV 7 & 8 Program: Delivering Next-Generation Coast Guard Vessels
With two new ice-capable ships on the horizon, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is set to enhance safety, sovereignty, and ocean research across our waters. The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship Canadian Coast Guard Variant (AOPS CCGV) 7 & 8 program will deliver these vessels, supported by Lockheed Martin Canada as the integrator of several electronic science and situational awareness systems. Alongside partner technologies, the team is equipping the ships with critical made-in-Canada solutions for navigation, communications, and environmental monitoring to strengthen the Coast Guard’s mission well into the future.
As a 15-year Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Veteran, this work is especially meaningful for Brian Peskett, program manager. When he left the RCN, Lockheed Martin Canada, with its long-standing relationship with the Canadian navy, was a natural fit. Leveraging his naval background, Peskett now leads a dynamic team of 50 personnel, spanning from British Columbia to Ontario to Quebec to Nova Scotia.
Made in Canada, for Canada
The team is designing and building the Coast Guard Information System and the Science Management System, which is a derivative of the Command Management System 330 a Canadian-built technology that is setting the industry standard today. Peskett’s team is responsible for adapting this system for the CCG to enhance situational awareness through data display, capture, and assessment.
“A Canadian developed and maintained system benefits our customers and Canada as a whole.” Peskett explains. “It is crucial to maintaining resilient Canadian supply chains and relationships amongst Canada’s industrial base, ensuring system sovereignty and supporting homegrown talent and innovation.”
Partnerships From Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast
The program supports the defence industry across Canada and internationally, with subcontractors based in Burnaby, Ottawa, Halifax, Dartmouth, Point-Claire, and Norway. Alongside a team of 11 suppliers, the AOPS CCGV team at LM Canada has continuously delivered on program performance, and today, the systems are ready to be installed on the first of the two ships.
“I am incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished in support of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the CCG Fleet Recapitalization,” says Peskett. “We're driven by the knowledge that this work will be translated into meaningful capability for the CCG in support of Government of Canada interests at home and abroad.”
Collaboration at the Heart of Success
A system as technically complex as the AOPS CCGV demands a team of innovative, talented, and out-of-the-box thinkers. For Peskett, the most fulfilling part of leading the program is seeing how each individual perspective comes together as an integral part of the team.
“We are designing, building, and integrating a complex system with numerous internal and external dependencies,” he says. “Seeing the entire team work together, persevere, and ultimately achieve key program milestones is extremely rewarding.”
Supporting the Innovators of Canada’s Future
The AOPS CCGV program has also provided opportunities for co-op students to contribute to integration, software development, and program management. Over the past three years, more than 100 students have toured Royal Canadian Navy Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships—an experience that connects the classroom to real-world innovation and showcases the strength of the RCN–LM Canada partnership.
Through AOPS CCGV, Lockheed Martin Canada is not only delivering advanced ships for the Coast Guard, but also investing in Canada’s industry, talent, and sovereignty for generations to come.
The grand block for the first AOPS Canadian Coast Guard inside the Module Hall at Halifax Shipyard.
Photo credit: Irving Shipbuilding
The grand block and bow mega block of the future CCGS Donjek successfully rolled out of the module hall and onto land level at Halifax Shipyard.
Photo credit: Irving Shipbuilding