Lockheed Martin Canada CDL Systems, Lockheed Martin Canada Inc.
Profile date: 2025-11-02
Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. and Lockheed Martin Canada CDL Systems
Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. is the primary Canadian arm of the global aerospace, defense, security, and technology corporation Lockheed Martin. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, it functions as a major systems integrator and defense contractor for the Canadian government, particularly the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Lockheed Martin Canada CDL Systems is a specialized division within Lockheed Martin Canada. Based in Calgary, Alberta, this entity is a global leader in the development and licensing of advanced software for uncrewed systems. It was originally an independent Canadian company, CDL Systems Ltd. (founded in 1992), which was acquired by Lockheed Martin in 2012 and integrated into its Canadian operations.
While Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. has a broad portfolio covering large-scale naval combat systems, aircraft sustainment, and program management, CDL Systems is laser-focused on providing the software "brains" that act as the universal ground control station for a wide variety of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, as well as uncrewed ground and maritime vehicles.
What Lockheed Martin Canada CDL Systems Does
The core business of CDL Systems is software development. Its primary product is a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS), open-architecture software solution that provides command and control for uncrewed systems. This software is platform-agnostic, meaning it can be used to operate and monitor many different types of vehicles from various manufacturers, all from a single, standardized control station.
This interoperability is a critical service, as it prevents military or civil operators from needing a different proprietary control system for every type of drone they fly. The software has recorded over one million operational flight hours and is a key contributor to interoperability standards like STANAG-4586, which ensures that systems from different NATO countries can work together.
Products and Services
The main product offered by CDL Systems is its Vehicle Control Station (VCS) software.
VCSi (Vehicle Control Station intuitive): This is the flagship software product. It is a complete, standalone software suite that provides all the tools needed for uncrewed vehicle operations, including:
Mission Planning: Creating detailed flight plans with waypoints, search patterns, and sensor controls before a mission.
Vehicle Command and Control (C2): Actively piloting the uncrewed vehicle, controlling its flight path, and managing onboard systems in real-time.
Situational Awareness: Displaying the vehicle's position, sensor data, and other telemetry on a comprehensive map-based interface.
Data and Video Management: Receiving, processing, and disseminating live video feeds and other data collected by the vehicle's sensors.
Multi-Vehicle Control: A single operator can use the software to reconfigure and support multiple different vehicles from one station.
Simulation: The software includes a robust simulation environment for training operators without risking real assets.
Software Development and Integration Services: CDL Systems provides expert engineering services to help clients and partners integrate the VCS software with new or existing uncrewed vehicles. This includes developing new plug-ins and customizing the software to support specific payloads or vehicle functions.
Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM): CDL Systems is actively involved in developing next-generation air traffic control solutions for drones. This involves partnering with other Canadian companies to integrate ground-based radar and other sensors into their VCS software, providing drone pilots with a complete airspace picture to safely operate beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS).
What Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. Does
As the parent Canadian entity, Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. has a much broader scope. Its primary function is the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems for military and government customers. It is a leader in large-scale program management and systems integration, often acting as the prime contractor on major defence procurement projects.
The company operates several facilities across Canada, including major offices in Ottawa (headquarters), Halifax (Dartmouth), Montreal, Calgary, and Victoria (Esquimalt).
Products and Services
Lockheed Martin Canada's offerings are diverse, but its most significant business area is naval systems.
Naval Combat Systems Integration: This is the company's flagship capability. Lockheed Martin Canada is the lead designer and combat systems integrator for the Royal Canadian Navy's new fleet of Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC), based on the Type 26 frigate design.
CMS 330 Combat Management System: This is a Canadian-developed "product" that serves as the central command and control system for a warship. It integrates all the ship's sensors (like radar) and weapons (like missiles and guns) into a single, cohesive system, allowing operators to track threats and defend the ship. This system is not only used by the Royal Canadian Navy on its upgraded Halifax-class frigates but has also been successfully exported to other navies, including those of New Zealand and Chile.
Aircraft Sustainment (In-Service Support): The company provides comprehensive maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and in-service support for several key Canadian military aircraft fleets, including:
CC-130J Super Hercules: Providing full support for Canada's fleet of tactical transport aircraft.
CH-148 Cyclone: Supporting the maritime helicopter fleet, which is the naval variant of the Sikorsky S-92.
Training and Simulation: Lockheed Martin Canada delivers and supports advanced training systems for air and naval crews, including flight simulators and naval combat system trainers, such as the Maritime Advanced Training and Test Site (MATTS) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Aerospace and Other Solutions:
F-35 Fighter Jet Program: The company serves as a key industrial partner, managing the Canadian supply chain for the F-35 program.
Radar Systems: Providing and supporting various radar systems for defence and air traffic control.
Cyber Solutions: Offering cybersecurity and information assurance services to government and commercial clients.
Please note: This information is generated by AI. For legal use, verify with company sources.
