The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of Canadian National Defence, yesterday announced the successful modernization of the first four Halifax-Class frigates.
The Halifax-class modernization/frigate equipment life extension (HCM/FELEX) is a $4.3 billion program to upgrade and enhance the existing fleet. The program has remained on budget and is scheduled to be completed by 2018.
“The Modernization of Halifax-Class frigates will serve as a bridge to the future fleet and, along with Kingston-Class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels and Victoria-Class submarines, will allow the RCN to continue to deliver on its core mission as directed by the Government of Canada until the arrival of the new Canadian Surface Combatant”, said Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Armed Forces
Following recent sea trials, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton is currently preparing to deploy as the first modernized frigate at high readiness in early 2015.
As the Royal Canadian Navy undergoes its most extensive peacetime modernization in history, the 12 Canadian-built multi-role patrol frigates will continue to form the backbone of the fleet. The first four frigates to be modernized as part of the HCM/FELEX are HMCS Halifax, Fredericton, Calgary, and Winnipeg.
Commissioned between 1992 and 1996, the Halifax-Class is currently undergoing a planned mid-life modernization that includes a new Combat Management System, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system, upgraded communications and missiles as well as a new Integrated Platform Management System.
Press Release; Image: Wikimedia