US Navy Aegis vessel. Credit: Leonardo DRS.

DRS Technologies Canada has secured a new contract to deliver four additional integrated voice communications systems (IVCS) for the US Navy’s Aegis cruisers and destroyers.

The mission-critical IVCS is also known as the shipboard integrated communications system (SHINCOM) and is currently the latest and most advanced shipboard communications switch technology.

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It is designed to provide reliable, red or black secure tactical communications for navy operators.

"We are delighted to again be tapped to provide these advanced systems for secure, reliable communications to enhance the mission of these important US Navy ships."

DRS Technologies’ computer-controlled telephone system connects to a vessel’s announcing system, shore telephone lines, radio communications and certain battle sound-powered telephone circuits.

The IVCS is also equipped with a number of programmable features, ranging from assigning priorities to calls to recording communications in compliance to marine safety standards.

DRS Technologies Canada vice-president and general manager Martin Munro said: “We are delighted to again be tapped to provide these advanced systems for secure, reliable communications to enhance the mission of these important US Navy ships.

“This brings the total number of systems ordered up to 16 out of a possible 30 under our existing contract.

“It also underscores the great confidence the US Navy has in the DRS system to provide vital communications management to its fleet of major surface combatants.”

The current arrangement forms part of the US Navy’s larger IVCS contract.

Delivery of the DRS systems is expected to be carried out in September next year.

The company previously delivered ICVS systems to the DDG 51 new vessel construction, as well as Aegis modernisation DDG 51 destroyers and CG 47 cruisers under an earlier contract.

The IVCS / SHINCOM system is a standard equipment deployed on-board every US Navy cruiser and destroyer, in addition to the Australian, Japanese and South Korean destroyers.

DRS Technologies received a performance-based contract featuring a potential value of up to $55m to deliver IVCS solutions for the US Navy’s AEGIS cruisers and destroyers in April 2015.