Equipment

Halifax-class Modernization / Frigate Life Extension

Halifax-class Modernization / Frigate Life Extension

The 12 Canadian-built Halifax-class multi-role patrol frigates are considered the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy. They can deploy anywhere in the world - with NATO or individual allied nations.

Commissioned between 1992 and 1996, the class is currently undergoing a planned mid-life modernization that includes a new command and control system, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system and upgraded communications and missiles.

Under the Halifax-class Modernization (HCM) / Frigate Equipment Life Extension (FELEX), the frigates are also undergoing a mid-life refit to ensure that they continue to operate effectively as the backbone of the navy fleet.

The Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Forces with the safe, reliable equipment they need to meet the challenges of the 21st century.  The HCM-FELEX project is an example of the Government delivering on this commitment.

The HCM-FELEX project has made significant progress to date. HMCS Halifax, the first of the seven east coast frigates to enter modernization and refit, is in the latter stages of this work in Halifax. HMCS Calgary, the first of the five west coast frigates,is also in the latter stages of its modernization and refit in Victoria. These ships have begun some of testing and trials that form part of a Tiered Readiness Program (TRP). The TRP will bring these two ships back into operation by early 2014.

Other vessels are also progressing through modernization and refit, in keeping with the overall HCM-FELEX project schedule. HMCS Fredericton is progressing through its work period in Halifax Shipyards, and the refit and modernization of HMCS Montréal is also underway there. On the west coast, HMCS Winnipeg's work period began in April 2012, and work is progressing as planned.

Each modernization and refit period is expected to take approximately 18 months. The final ship upgrade is anticipated to be completed in the 2017 timeframe.

ESQUIMALT, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver and her crew returned to Esquimalt following seven months of active NATO operations, on February 19, 2012.

Photo: Canadian Forces Photo by : Jacek Szymanski, Royal Canadian Navy

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii — Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa (FFH 341) leaving the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, in Honolulu, Hawaii, on July 9, 2012.

Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate. Units from Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, and the U.S. will participate. Military personnel from Colombia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Republic of Philippines, Thailand, Tonga and the United Kingdom will also participate.

RIMPAC is a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

Canadian Forces Photo by : Jacek Szymanski, Royal Canadian Navy

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie) announces a contract to DRS Technologies Canada Ltd. for an advanced wireless radio communications network for the Halifax-class frigates. More…

HMCS Halifax sails in the Caribbean Sea just outside Jacmel, Haiti, for OP HESTIA on February 18, 2010.

HMCS Winnipeg and the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) ships maneuver for a photo opportunity together in the Indian Ocean at the conclusion of a two-day joint naval exercise in April 2009.

The Commanding team and Commander Josee Kurtz (right) from HMCS Halifax arrive in the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat alongside HMCS Athabaskan, for an important brief concerning OP HESTIA on their way to Haiti on January 16, 2010.