View source for Halifax-class frigate

{{Short description|Class of Canadian frigates}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = HMCS Calgary (FFH-335) leaves Pearl Harbor in July 2014.JPG
| Ship image size = 300px
| Ship caption = HMCS ''Calgary'' in July 2014
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = ''Halifax'' class
| Builders = * [[Saint John Shipbuilding|Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd.]], [[Saint John, New Brunswick|Saint John]]
* [[MIL Davie Shipbuilding]], [[Lauzon, Quebec|Lauzon]]
| Operators = {{navy|Canada}}
| Class before = {{sclass|Annapolis|destroyer|4}}
| Class after = {{sclass2|River|destroyer|4||2030s}}
| Subclasses = 
| Cost = 
| Built range = 1987–1996
| In commission range = 1992–present
| Total ships completed = 12
| Total ships active = 12
| Total ships laid up = 
| Total ships lost = 
| Total ships retired = 
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
| Ship type = [[Guided-missile frigate]] 
| Ship displacement = {{convert|4770|t|LT|lk=on|abbr=on}}
| Ship length = {{convert|134.1|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|16.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship draught = {{convert|4.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship propulsion = * [[CODOG]]
* 2 × [[General Electric LM2500]] gas turbines, generating {{convert|47500|shp|kW|abbr=on}}
* 1 × [[SEMT Pielstick]] diesel engine, generating {{convert|8,800|shp|kW|abbr=on}}
* 1 × [[Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding|Royal de Schelde]] cross-connect gearbox
* 2 × Escher Wyss controllable pitch [[propeller]]s
* 4 × 830 kW Hitzinger generators driven by 4 × C32 ACERT Caterpillar engines
| Ship speed = {{convert|30|kn|lk=in}}
| Ship range = {{convert|9500|nmi|abbr=on}}
| Ship endurance =
| Ship complement = 255
| Ship sensors = 
* Combat management system: [[Lockheed Martin Canada]] CMS 330 with [[Saab Group|Saab]] [[9LV]] Mk 4 elements known as “CanACCS-9LV” 
* Air/Surface search radar: [[Saab Group|Saab]] [[Giraffe radar|Sea Giraffe AMB]] 3D ([[C band (NATO)|C band]]) 
* Air/Surface medium to long-range surveillance radar: [[SMART-S|Thales SMART-S Mk 2 3D]]
* [[Fire control radar]]: 2 × [[Saab Group|Saab]] CEROS-200 
* Integrated Platform Management System: [[L3Harris]] IPMS 
* [[Identification Friend or Foe]] (IFF) System: Telephonics Mk XII
* Electro-optical [[infrared search and track]] system: DRS Canada and [[Thales Nederland]] Sirius  
* [[Tactical data link]]: [[Military communications satellite|SATCOM]] [[Link 11]], [[Link 16]], [[Link 22]]
* Active/Passive [[sonar]]: [[General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada]] AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar
* [[Towed array sonar]]: [[General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada]] TLFAS (variable depth)
* [[Sonobuoy]] processing system: [[General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada]] AN/UYS-503
| Ship armament = 
* 2 × quad Mk 141 canisters (8 × RGM-84 [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon block II missiles]]) AShM/LAM
* 2 × 8-cell Mk 48 [[vertical launch system]] (VLS) (16 × RIM-162 [[RIM-162 ESSM|ESSM]] block II missiles) SAM/SSM
* 1 × [[Bofors 57 mm L/70 naval artillery gun|Bofors {{cvt|57|mm}} Mk 3 gun]]
* 1 × [[Phalanx CIWS]] (Mk 15 Mod 21 (Block 1B))
* 4 × {{cvt|12.7|mm}} M2HQ [[Typhoon Weapon Station|Mini Typhoon]] remote weapon stations
* 2 × twin {{cvt|324|mm}} Mk 32 torpedo tubes (SVTT) (24 × [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mk 46 torpedoes]] Mod 5)
| Ship EW = * Countermeasure dispensing system: 3 × [[MASS (decoy system)|TKWA/MASS]] 
* Electronic warfare suite: AN/SLQ-503 RAMSES (4 × RAMSES [[radome]]s) 
* COMM DF/SIGINT Suite: [[Southwest Research Institute]] AN/SRD-506
* Electronic support measure: [[Elbit Systems]] NS9003A-V2HC 
* Inflatable decoy system: Decoy launching system (DLS) 
* Towed torpedo countermeasure: Argon ST [[AN/SLQ-25 Nixie]]
| Ship aircraft = * 1 × [[CH-148 Cyclone]] helicopter armed with: 
** 2 × [[Mk 54]] lightweight torpedoes
** 1 × [[C6A1 FLEX|C6 FLEX]] {{cvt|7.62|mm|in|2}} [[general-purpose machine gun|GPMG]]
| Ship aircraft facilities = * Landing pad with recovery assist, secure and traverse system (RAST)
* Hangar
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}
The '''''Halifax''-class frigate''', also referred to as the '''City class''', is a [[Ship class|class]] of multi-role patrol [[frigate]]s that have served the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] since 1992. The class is the outcome of the [[Canadian Patrol Frigate Project]], which dates to the mid-1970s.<ref>{{harvnb|Macpherson|Barrie|2002|p=289}}</ref> {{HMCS|Halifax|FFH 330|6}} was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed and Canadian-built vessels which combine traditional [[Anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine]] capabilities with systems to deal with surface and [[Anti-air warfare|air]] threats as well. Ships of the class are named after capital cities of Canadian provinces ([[St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador|St. John's]], [[Halifax, Nova Scotia|Halifax]], [[Charlottetown]], [[Fredericton]], [[Québec City]], [[Toronto]], [[Winnipeg]], and [[Regina, Saskatchewan|Regina]]), the capital of Canada, [[Ottawa]], and the major cities of [[Calgary]], [[Montreal]], and [[Vancouver]].

In 2007, the [[Government of Canada]] announced a planned refit of the ''Halifax'' class which is known as the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) of which the Frigate Equipment Life Extension (FELEX) project is a part. In November 2008, a [[Lockheed Martin Canada]]-led team including [[Saab AB]], [[Elisra]], [[IBM]] Canada, CAE Professional Services, L-3 Electronic Systems and xwave, was awarded the contract. The construction phase of the program was completed in November 2016.<ref name=construction>{{cite news|url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1419770-irving-finishes-frigate-refits-for-navy |title=Irving finishes frigate refits for navy |last=Gunn |first=Andrea |newspaper=The Chronicle Herald |date=28 November 2016 |access-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> {{As of|May 2021}}, the ''Halifax''-class modernization program was being closed out, but full operational capacity was reached on 31 January 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/halifax-class-modernization.html |title=Halifax-class modernization and frigate life extension |date=13 December 2018 |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=13 May 2021}}</ref>

In October 2011 the Canadian government launched the [[National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy]] which aims to replace the ''Halifax'' class, as well as the capabilities of the {{sclass|Iroquois|destroyer}}s, with up to 15 new {{sclass2|River|destroyer|0||2030s}} destroyers. This replacement class is currently in the design stage and full-rate construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=28 June 2024 |title=Construction Begins for Canada’s New Warship Fleet – the River Class Destroyers |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/06/construction-begins-for-canadas-new-warship-fleet--the-river-class-destroyers.html |access-date=7 July 2024 |publisher=Government of Canada |author=Ministry of National Defence}}</ref> However, the ''Halifax''-class vessels continue to be upgraded with at least some ships of the class anticipated as likely to continue service into the 2040s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/08/davie-shipyard-begins-halifax-class-frigate-mid-life-refit-program/ |title=Davie Shipyard Begins Halifax-Class Frigate Mid-Life Refit Program |work=Naval News |date=14 August 2020 |access-date=17 August 2020}}</ref>

==Description and design==
The ''Halifax''-class frigate design, emerging from the [[Canadian Patrol Frigate Project|Canadian Patrol Frigate Program]], was ordered by the [[Canadian Forces]] in 1977 as a replacement for the aging {{sclass|St. Laurent|destroyer|5}}, {{sclass|Restigouche|destroyer|5}}, {{sclass|Mackenzie|destroyer|5}}, and {{sclass|Annapolis|destroyer|4}}es of [[destroyer escort]]s, which were all tasked with [[anti-submarine warfare]].<ref name=milner284>{{harvnb|Milner|2010|p=284}}</ref> In July 1983, the federal government approved the budget for the design and construction of the first batch of six frigates, with a second batch ordered in December 1987.<ref name=mac291>{{harvnb|Macpherson|Barrie|2002|p=291}}</ref><ref name=gardiner>{{harvnb|Gardiner|Chumbley|Budzbon|1995|p=47}}</ref> To reflect the changing long-term strategy of the Navy during the 1980s and 1990s, the ''Halifax''-class frigates was designed as a general purpose warship with particular focus on anti-submarine capabilities.<ref name=milner284/>

As built, the ''Halifax''-class vessels [[Displacement (ship)|displaced]] {{convert|4750|LT|t|lk=on}} and were {{convert|441|ft|9|in|m|order=flip}} [[Length overall|long overall]] and {{convert|408|ft|5|in|m|order=flip}} [[Length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]] with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|53|ft|8|in|m|order=flip}} and a [[Draft (hull)|draught]] of {{convert|16|ft|4|in|m|order=flip}}.<ref name=mac291/><ref name=saunders90>{{harvnb|Saunders|2004|p=90}}</ref> That made them slightly larger than the ''Iroquois''-class destroyers.<ref name=mac291/> The vessels are propelled by two shafts with Escher Wyss controllable pitch [[propeller]]s driven by a [[CODOG]] system of two [[General Electric LM2500]] gas turbines, generating {{convert|47,500|shp|kW|lk=in}} and one [[SEMT Pielstick]] 20 PA6 V 280 [[diesel engine]], generating {{convert|8,800|shp|kW}}.<ref name=saunders90/>

This gives the frigates a maximum speed of {{convert|29|kn|lk=in}} and a range of {{convert|7000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|15|kn}} while using their diesel engines.<ref name=mac291/><ref name=saunders90/> Using their gas turbines, the ships have a range of {{convert|3930|nmi}} at {{convert|18|kn}}. As designed the ''Halifax'' class had a total complement 236 personnel; 219 naval personnel of which 17 were officers and 17 aircrew of which 8 were officers.<ref name=saunders90/> During the FELEX/HCM projects the addition of 19 berths was completed to allow embarkation of additional <abbr title="Commander Task Group">CTG</abbr> personnel. This brought the total available crew complement to 255 persons.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=March 2017 |journal=Maritime Engineering Journal |title=Commander Task Group Habitability – Executing Innovation and Ingenuity in a Constrained Space |last=Waller |first=Rob |pp=27–28 |url=https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/mdn-dnd/D12-21-82-eng.pdf |access-date=2024-08-09 |number=82 |edition=Special |issn=0713-0058}}</ref> 

===Control systems===
The tactical command and control systems were developed in Canada. These included the [[Shipboard Integrated Communications System]] (SHINCOM), the Shipboard Integrated Machinery Control (SHINMACS), and Shipboard Integrated Processing and Display System (SHINPADS).<ref name="Arthurs_2014-09">{{cite journal |last=Arthurs |first=Kevin |title=Value Propositions and NSPS: A Canadian Success Story? |date=September 2014 |journal=Maritime Security Occasional Paper |volume=17 |pages=53–57 |publisher=Centre for the Study of Security and Development, [[Dalhousie University]] |url=https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/sites/cssd/Publications/msop17.pdf |access-date=30 May 2019}}</ref> SHINCOM was developed by DRS Technology Canada and was exported to other navies.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Thorsteinson |first1=Janet |title=Canadian Naval Technology Earns Global Sales: In the Beginning was the Canadian Patrol Frigate |url=http://www.navalreview.ca/wp-content/uploads/public/vol5num1/vol5num1art6.pdf |journal=Canadian Naval Review |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=25–27 |date=Spring 2009 |publisher=Mulroney Institute of Government, [[St. Francis Xavier University]] |isbn=978-1-935352-45-7 |access-date=30 May 2019 }}</ref> SHINMACS was developed by [[CAE Inc.|CAE]].<ref name="Hunt_1987_09">{{cite journal |last=Hunt |first=Kevin |date=September 1987 |title=Naval Engineering Accomplishments in Canada |url=http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/mdn-dnd/D12-21-1987-3-eng.pdf |journal=Maritime Engineering Journal |pages=12–20 |issn=0713-0058}}</ref> SHINPADS was developed by Sperry Computer Systems in Winnipeg.<ref name="Hunt_1987_09"/> with technical assistance from the United States. It used a revolutionary redundant and distributed computer architecture which was exported for use in US military control systems.<ref name="Arthurs_2014-09"/>

===Armament and aircraft===
[[File:US Navy 080714-N-8135W-176 The Canadian frigate HMCS Regina (FFH 334) fires a Harpoon anti-ship missile during a Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) sinking exercise.jpg|thumb|{{HMCS|Regina|FFH 334|6}} fires a [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon missile]]]]
As built the ''Halifax''-class vessels deployed the [[CH-124 Sea King]] helicopter, which acted in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "[[Beartrap (helicopter device)|bear trap]]" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to [[Sea State|sea state 6]]. The ''Halifax'' class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the [[Mark 46 torpedo]], launched from twin Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments on either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.<ref name=saunders90/>

As built, the anti-shipping role is supported by the [[RGM-84 Harpoon]] Block 1C [[surface-to-surface missile]], mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar.<ref name=mac291/><ref name=saunders90/> For [[anti-aircraft]] self-defence the ships are armed with the [[Sea Sparrow]] [[Vertical Launching System|vertical launch]] [[surface-to-air missile]] in two [[List of United States Navy Guided Missile Launching Systems|Mk 48 Mod 0 eight-cell launchers]] placed to port and starboard of the funnel. The vessels carry 16 missiles.<ref name=saunders90/> A [[Raytheon]]/[[General Dynamics]] [[Phalanx CIWS|Phalanx]] Mark 15 Mod 21 close-in weapon system (CIWS) is mounted on top of the helicopter hangar for "last-ditch" defence against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow.<ref name=saunders90/>

As built, the main gun on the [[forecastle]] is a [[Bofors 57 mm L/70 naval artillery gun|{{convert|57|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}/70 calibre Mark 2 gun]] from [[Bofors]].{{efn|name=gun nomenclature}} The gun is capable of firing {{convert|2.4|kg|adj=on}} shells at a rate of 220 rounds per minute at a range of more than {{convert|17|km}}.<ref name=saunders90/> The vessels also carry eight {{convert|12.7|mm|in|abbr=on|2}} machine guns.<ref name=gardiner/>

===Countermeasures and sensors===
As built, the decoy system comprises two [[BAE Systems]] Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire [[Chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]] to {{convert|2|km}} and infrared rockets to {{convert|169|m|yd}} in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the [[SLQ-25 Nixie|AN/SLQ-25A Nixie]] towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.<ref name=saunders90/> Two [[Thales Nederland]] (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 ([[STIR (radar)|STIR 1.8]]) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon [[AN/SPS-49]](V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar. The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull-mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.<ref name=saunders90/>

==Refit==
The Government of Canada announced on 5 July 2007 a $3.1 billion refit program for the ''Halifax'' class which would take place from 2010 to 2018 and extend the ships' service lives through to the 2030s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2013-news/august-2013-navy-world-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-news/1206-royal-canadian-navy-halifax-class-frigates-modernization-and-life-extension-program-.html |title=Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class Frigates Modernization and Life Extension Program |website=Navy Recognition |date=22 August 2013 |access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref> The total cost of the program was set at $4.3 billion, with $2 billion for combat systems upgrades and $1.2 billion for mid-life refits. A further $1 billion was paid to contractors for other projects.<ref name=wilson28>{{cite news |url=http://www.timescolonist.com/business/navy-marks-end-of-frigate-upgrades-1.2241585 |title=Navy marks end of frigate upgrades |last=Wilson |first=Carla |newspaper=Times Colonist |date=28 April 2016 |access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref>

Faced with delays and restrictions from the [[International Traffic in Arms Regulations]], the Navy opted to modernize the ''Halifax'' class using as much non-American equipment as possible,{{explain|date=October 2018}} including technology from Canada, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands and Israel. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations has also been blamed for the delay of the CH-148 Cyclone which was running two years behind the original schedule.<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Pugliese |title=Navy says no to buying American: U.S. restrictions on technology can lead to delays| date=25 January 2010 |work=The Ottawa Citizen |url=http://www.canada.com/business/Navy+says+buying+American/2480208/story.html |access-date=25 January 2010 }}{{dead link|date=March 2025}}</ref> The ''Halifax'' class received [[state of the art]] equipment able to handle modern threats through 2030. The modernization includes passive and active weapons, radars, and new combat architecture.<ref name=rcnfelex>{{cite web |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-equipment/halifax-frigate.page |title=Halifax-class Modernization / Frigate Life Extension |publisher=National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces |access-date=16 August 2016 |archive-date=17 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217141250/http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-equipment/halifax-frigate.page |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Halifax Shipyard June 2015 closeup.JPG|thumb|The [[Halifax Shipyard]] in 2015. Refits for ''Halifax''-class frigates used by [[Maritime Forces Atlantic]] were completed at the shipyard in 2016.]]
The refit program was formally announced as completed on the west coast by Victoria Shipyards on 29 April 2016 by the Minister of National Defence [[Harjit Sajjan]] when ''Regina'' was returned to the Royal Canadian Navy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/completed-canadian408971.aspx |title=Canadian Navy Frigate Refit Program Completed |website=Marine Link |last=Haun |first=Eric |date=29 April 2016 |access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref><ref name=wilson28/> ''Calgary'' was the first to undergo work at Victoria, followed by ''Winnipeg'', ''Vancouver'', ''Ottawa'' and ''Regina''.<ref name=wilson28/><ref name=rcnfelex/> The construction phase of the program on the east coast was completed on 29 November 2016 when the final east coast ship, ''Toronto'', was handed back to the Royal Canadian Navy at [[Halifax Shipyard]].<ref name=construction/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/navy-marks-completion-frigate-modernization-halifax-1.3873541 |title='On time, under budget:' Navy marks end of $4.3B frigate modernization |work=CBC News |last=Withers |first=Paul |access-date=22 November 2022 |date=29 November 2016}}</ref>

===Control systems===
The new combat system architecture and combat management system fitted to the ''Halifax'' class is the CMS330 Combat Management System from [[Lockheed Martin Canada]], which includes elements of the Saab [[9LV|9LV Mk4]] combat management system (known as the "CanACCS-9LV" suite of components.)<ref>{{cite news |title=Lockheed Martin Canada Announces Team to Pursue ''Halifax'' Class Modernization Program |date=11 April 2007 |agency=Canadian News Wire |location=Ottawa, Ontario |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/48053/lockheed-martin-canada-announces-team-to-pursue-halifax-class-modernization-program |access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref> CMS330 is a development of SHINPADS.<ref name="Arthurs_2014-09"/> The Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) from [[L3 Technologies|L-3]] MAPPS provides systems management.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pugliese |first=David |title=L-3 to supply platform management system to Halifax-class frigates |date=19 January 2009 |work=Ottawa Citizen |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/l-3-to-supply-platform-management-system-to-halifax-class-frigates |access-date=30 May 2019}}</ref> IPMS is a development of SHINMACS.<ref name="Arthurs_2014-09" />

===Weaponry and propulsion upgrades===
[[File:Bofors 57 mm Mk 3 gun mounted on HMCS Ottawa(FFH-341) left side view at JMSDF Maizuru Naval Base August 24, 2019 02.jpg|thumb|A [[Bofors 57 mm Naval Automatic Gun L/70|Bofors 57 mm Mark 3]] mounted on {{HMCS|Ottawa|FFH 341|6}}]]
The ''Halifax'' class use the [[RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile]] (ESSM), instead of the obsolete RIM-7 Sea Sparrow. The ESSM gives a greater range against anti-ship missiles and enemy aircraft. The Royal Canadian Navy announced the upgrade of the ESSMs in March 2023 to the Block II configuration,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/rcn/2023/03/upgraded-missiles-to-better-defend-ships-against-air-attacks.html |title=Upgraded missiles to better defend ships against air attacks |publisher=Government of Canada |last=Mallett |first=Peter |date=16 March 2023 |access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref> achieving operational capability in June 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/06/canada-achieves-ioc-for-essm-block-2-aboard-halifax-class-frigates/ |title=Canada achieves IOC for ESSM Block 2 aboard Halifax-class frigates |work=Naval News |date=12 June 2024 |access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref> The Harpoon missiles were upgraded to Block II, with first test firing aboard the frigates performed in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-navy-precision-missile-1.3527532 |title=Royal Canadian Navy fires 1st sea-to-shore precision Harpoon missile |work=CBC News |last1=Rands |first1=Chris |last2=Zimonjic |first2=Peter |date=8 April 2016 |access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref> BAE Systems received a contract to upgrade the Bofors 57&nbsp;mm Mk 2 to [[57 Mk3|Bofors 57 mm Mk 3]] configuration in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baesystems.com/en-ca/maritime-capabilities/naval-weapons-systems |title=Naval Weapons Systems |publisher=BAE Systems |access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref>

The [[Department of National Defence (Canada)|Department of National Defence]] requested a tender to provide a naval remote weapon system (NRWS) defence capability to the ''Halifax'' and ''Iroquois'' classes. The ''Halifax'' class was to be fitted with this new system to replace the 12.7&nbsp;mm M2HB heavy machine gun.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.casr.ca/doc-loi-naval-rws.htm |title=NRWS: Naval Remote Weapon Station for Halifax class Frigates and Tribal Destroyers – MERX Letters of Interest/Industry Day |access-date=8 August 2013}}</ref> Although not part of the refit, Raytheon Canada Limited was awarded a contract of $180 million for eight years to overhaul, convert and repair all Canadian CIWS to a Block 1B Baseline 1 configuration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=4272018 |title=Company Overview of Raytheon Canada Limited |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |url-status=dead |access-date=8 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001215055/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=4272018 |archive-date=1 October 2012}}</ref>

It was announced by the Department of National Defence that Hewitt Equipment was chosen to replace the diesel generators aboard the ''Halifax''-class vessels in June 2015.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meunier |first=Michel |date=2020 |title=Update – Frigate Mid-life Refit Diesel Generator Replacement |journal=Maritime Engineering Journal |url=https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/documents/mej/39-217-maritimejournal92.pdf |access-date=2024-08-09 |number=90 |issn=0713-0058 |pp=14–17 |editor-last=Boilard |editor-first=David}}</ref> The contract was awarded for 10 years, with options to extend it out to 22 years and covers ships assigned to either coast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newshewitt-equipment-to-replace-canadian-halifax-class-frigates-generators-4601605 |title=Hewitt Equipment to replace Canadian Halifax-class frigates' generators |website=naval-technology.com |date=16 June 2015 |access-date=20 June 2015}}</ref> The speed of the vessels in the class increased to over {{convert|30|kn}} following the FELEX upgrades.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/assets/NAVY_Internet/docs/en/hcm_felex_factsheet.pdf |title=Halifax-Class Canadian Patrol Frigate |publisher=Royal Canadian Navy |access-date=29 June 2017}}</ref>

===Sensors and countermeasures===
[[File:CEROS 200 FC radar on board HMCS Ottawa(FFH-341) at JMSDF Maizuru Naval Base August 24, 2019 07.jpg|thumb|A [[CEROS 200 Fire Control Radar]] aboard HMCS ''Ottawa'']]
As part of the refit, Thales Canada supplied the [[Infra-red search and track|Sirius long-range Infrared Search and Track (IRST)]] for the ''Halifax'' class. The IRST is currently in use on board the German {{sclass|Sachsen|frigate|1}}s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Canada & Holland Order 17 SIRIUS Shipboard Long-Range IRST Sensors| date=26 April 2006 | website=Defense Industry Daily |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/canada-holland-order-17-sirius-shipboard-longrange-irst-sensors-updated-02183/ |access-date = 26 April 2006 }}</ref> The IRST is able to track [[Radar cross-section|low radar cross-section]] aircraft and ships.

Saab provided 26 [[CEROS 200 Fire Control Radar|CEROS 200]] fire control directors. The CEROS 200 is a radar and optronic tracking system which interfaces with advanced anti-ship missiles and gun systems. It provides defence against modern threats including modern [[sea skimming|sea skimming anti-ship missiles]] or asymmetric threats in littoral environments. The CEROS 200 is part of the [[9LV]] Mk4.

The ''Halifax'' class were fitted with a modified Sea Giraffe SG-150 multi-function search radar. The SG-150 HC will be upgraded and will secure a high level of operational availability as well as improved functions.<ref>{{cite news| title=Lockheed Martin says critical design review on Frigate upgrade reached| publisher=Defence Watch| url=http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/defencewatch/archive/2010/08/17/lockheed-martin-says-critical-design-review-on-frigate-upgrade-reached.aspx| access-date=17 August 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119023522/http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/defencewatch/archive/2010/08/17/lockheed-martin-says-critical-design-review-on-frigate-upgrade-reached.aspx| archive-date=19 January 2013}}</ref> Furthermore, they were given Sea Giraffe AMB 3D air and surface search radar operating on the C band.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/saab-sea-giraffe-radar-selected-for-canadas-halifax-class-frigates/ |title=Saab Sea Giraffe Radar selected for Canada’s Halifax-class frigates |work=Naval News |date=22 December 2021 |access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref> Thales supplied 13 [[SMART-S|Smart-S Mk2]] S-band radars, including one for training purposes. These radars are optimized for medium-to-long-range search and target designation with a high degree of detection. The Smart-S Mk2 is a 3D multibeam radar which can detect hostile targets in [[Nearshoring|near-shore]] environments. The deliveries began at the end of 2010 and were completed in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Pugliese |title=Canadian Frigate Modernization to Include Thales Smart-S Mk2 Radar |date= 3 July 2009 |work=Ottawa Citizen |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-frigate-modernization-to-include-thales-smart-s-mk2-radar |access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref> 

Raytheon Anschütz provided at least 12 Pathfinder ST MK 2 Radar systems. The Pathfinder Mark II is designed to provide a modern and flexible navigation tool.<ref>{{cite press release |title=NSC Radars for Canadian Navy frigate modernization program |publisher=Raytheon-Anschuetz |url=http://www.openPR.com/news/102671/NSC-Radars-for-Canadian-Navy-frigate-modernization-program.html |access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref> The Pathfinder ST Mk 2 radar system is part of the [[9LV]] Mk4. In 2015, Canada acquired twelve sets of X and S-Band navigation radars from Raytheon Anschütz for the class. The new radars have advanced detection capability, new radiation control and pulse blanker interfaces and have improved interaction with the vessels' upgraded command and control system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsraytheon-anschtz-delivers-navigation-radars-for-canadas-halifax-class-frigates-4665526 |title=Raytheon Anschütz delivers navigation radars for Canada's Halifax-class frigates |website=naval-technology.com |date=8 September 2015 |access-date=9 September 2015}}</ref>
[[File:MASS decoy launcher on board HMCS Ottawa(FFH-341) at JMSDF Maizuru Naval Base August 24, 2019 01.jpg|thumb|The ''Halifax'' class is fitted with the [[Multi Ammunition Softkill System]]]]
The ''Halifax'' class were fitted with the [[MASS (decoy system)|Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS)]] developed by [[Rheinmetall]]. MASS is a fully computerized countermeasure. The system is connected to the ship's sensors and protects ships from attacks by advanced, sensor-guided missiles by launching decoys that operate in all relevant wavelengths.<ref>{{cite news | first=David | last=Pugliese | title=More Information on Softkill System for Halifax-Class Frigates | date=3 April 2009 | work=Ottawa Citizen | url=http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2009/04/03/more-information-on-softkill-system-for-halifax-class-frigates/ | access-date=7 August 2013 | archive-date=17 February 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217151413/http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2009/04/03/more-information-on-softkill-system-for-halifax-class-frigates/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> Elbit Systems received a contract to supply electronic warfare equipment for the ''Halifax'' class, including active jamming and tracking systems.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Elbit Systems awarded $55 million Lockheed Martin contract to Supply Electronic Warfare Equipment for Canadian Navy Frigate Upgrade Program |location=Haifa, Israel |date=7 May 2009 |publisher=Elbit systems |url=https://www.elbitsystems.com/elbitpr/files/Elisra%20to%20Canada%20-%202009.doc |format=DOC |access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref>

Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH received a contract to provide 14 passive electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems.<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Pugliese |title=Rheinmetall Wins Contract for ''Halifax'' Class ECM Systems |date= 3 April 2009 |work=Ottawa Citizen |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rheinmetall-wins-contract-for-halifax-class-ecm-systems |access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref>

===Communications===
The ''Halifax'' class received two Navy Multi-band Terminals (NMT), installed on the forward port and starboard sides of the hangar, to increase its satellite communications capabilities. The NMT system communicates with satellites in [[geostationary orbit]] via the [[Ka band]]. This system was augmented by the Maritime Satellite Communications Upgrade (MSCU), featuring the AN/USC-69(V3) antenna installed on the hangar top.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Hunt|first=Kevin|date=Fall 2018|title=Wideband Global SATCOM and its Integration into the Royal Canadian Navy|url=http://www.thewilsons.ca/static/documents/mej/mej-88.pdf|journal=Maritime Engineering Journal|volume=88|pages=13–18|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070622/http://www.thewilsons.ca/static/documents/mej/mej-88.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The system was first used by the ''Halifax'' class on deployments to [[List of Canadian military operations|Operation Reassurance]] in 2012.<ref name=":0" />

== Ships in class ==

{|class="wikitable"
|+ Construction data
! scope="col"| Name
! scope="col"| Pennant number
! scope="col"| Builder
! scope="col"| Laid down
! scope="col"| Launched
! scope="col"| Commissioned
! scope="col"| Homeport
! scope="col"| Status
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Halifax|FFH 330|2}}
|FFH 330
|rowspan=2|[[Saint John Shipbuilding]], [[Saint John, New Brunswick|Saint John]], [[New Brunswick]]
|19 March 1987
|30 April 1988
|29 June 1992
|[[CFB Halifax]]
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Vancouver|FFH 331|2}}
|FFH 331
|19 May 1988
|8 July 1989
|23 August 1993
|[[CFB Esquimalt]]
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Ville de Québec|FFH 332|2}}
|FFH 332
| [[MIL Davie Shipbuilding]], [[Lauzon, Quebec|Lauzon]], [[Quebec]]
|16 December 1988
|16 May 1991
|14 July 1994
|CFB Halifax
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Toronto|FFH 333|2}}
|FFH 333
|Saint John Shipbuilding, Saint John, New Brunswick
|22 April 1989
|18 December 1990
|29 July 1993
|CFB Halifax
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Regina|FFH 334|2}}
|FFH 334
|rowspan=2| MIL Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon, Quebec
|6 October 1989
|25 January 1992
|30 September 1994
|CFB Esquimalt
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Calgary|FFH 335|2}}
|FFH 335
|15 June 1991
|28 August 1992
|12 May 1995
|CFB Esquimalt
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Montréal|FFH 336|2}}
|FFH 336
|rowspan=6|Saint John Shipbuilding, Saint John, New Brunswick
|8 February 1991
|28 February 1992
|21 July 1994
|CFB Halifax
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Fredericton|FFH 337|2}}
|FFH 337
|25 April 1992
|26 June 1993
|10 September 1994
|CFB Halifax
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Winnipeg|FFH 338|2}}
|FFH 338
|20 March 1993
|25 June 1994
|23 June 1996
|CFB Esquimalt
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Charlottetown|FFH 339|2}}
|FFH 339
|18 December 1993
|1 October 1994
|9 September 1995
|CFB Halifax
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|St. John's||2}}
|FFH 340
|24 August 1994
|26 August 1995
|26 June 1996
|CFB Halifax
|Active in service
|-
| scope="row"|{{HMCS|Ottawa|FFH 341|2}}
|FFH 341
|29 April 1995
|31 May 1996
|28 September 1996
|CFB Esquimalt
|Active in service
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Canada}}
* [[List of frigate classes]]
* [[List of naval ship classes in service]]

==Notes==
{{notes
| notes =

{{efn
| name = gun nomenclature
| The /70 after the [[Caliber (artillery)|calibre]] denotes the length of the gun. This means that the length of the gun barrel is 70 times the bore diameter.
}}
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{cite book |editor-last=Gardiner |editor-first=Robert |editor-last2=Chumbley |editor-first2=Stephen |editor-last3=Budzbon |editor-first3=Przemysław |date=1995 |title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=978-1-55750-132-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Macpherson |first1=Ken |last2=Barrie |first2=Ron |date=2002 |title=The Ships of Canada's Naval Forces 1910–2002  |edition=Third |publisher=Vanwell Publishing |location=St. Catharines, Ontario |isbn=978-1-55125-072-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Milner |first=Marc |date=2010 |title=Canada's Navy: The First Century |edition=Second |publisher=University of Toronto Press |location=Toronto |isbn=978-0-8020-9604-3}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen |date=2004 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2004–05 |publisher=Jane's Information Group Inc. |location=Alexandria, Virginia |isbn=978-0-7106-2623-3}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Halifax class frigates}}
*[http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/canada/current/halifax/ Canadian Navy of Yesterday & Today]
*[http://www.seaforces.org/wpnsys/SURFACE/Mk-48-missile-launcher.htm Mk-48 Vertical Launching System (VLS)]
*[http://webberswarships.ca/styled-58/index.html Listing of FELEX changes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513011008/http://webberswarships.ca/styled-58/index.html |date=13 May 2014 }}
Official ship websites:
*[https://www.canada.ca/en/navy.html Canadian Navy website – official site]
*[https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/surface/halifax-class.html ''Halifax''-class frigates – official site]

{{Halifax class frigate}}
{{Royal Canadian Navy}}

[[Category:Frigate classes]]
[[Category:Frigates of the Royal Canadian Navy]]
[[Category:Halifax-class frigates| ]]
[[Category:Naval ships of Canada]]