Frigates

Overview

HMCS Halifax was the first of an eventual twelve Canadian-designed helicopter-carrying frigates. They combine traditional Canadian anti-submarine capabilities with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. The HALIFAX class are the work-horses of the Canadian Navy task group concept.

Launched 1992-1996

After decades of unrelenting anti-submarine warfare (ASW) activities in the North Atlantic during the Cold War, the navy's long-range strategy evolved, in the 1980s and '90s, to encompass a broadened, more general purpose role, in keeping with the changing nature of contemporary threats to world peace and stability. Incorporating many technological advances, including an integrated communications system, a command and control system, and a machinery control system, these vessels' weapons, sensors and engines form a formidable platform of defensive and offensive capabilities. They are quiet, fast, and have excellent sea-keeping characteristics.

Ships for Canada's 21st Century Roles

In the mid-nineties, HMCS HALIFAX took up her station on patrol in the Adriatic Sea, as part of NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic, to enforce United Nations sanctions against the former Republic of Yugoslavia. Soon after, HMCS VANCOUVER sailed to the other side of the Pacific to join multi-national exercises in waters off Hawaii and underscore the increasing importance of Canada's interests in Pacific Rim regions. These marked a turning point in the history of the Navy. Today, HALIFAX class frigates deploy singly or as part of a task group anywhere in the world -- with NATO, US carrier battle groups, or in concert with other allied vessels. These deployments are measures of other nations' confidence in Canada. They would not be possible without our fleet of modern, versatile patrol frigates.