Halifax-Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX)

Backgrounder

April 29, 2016 – Esquimalt – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is in the midst of its most intensive and comprehensive period of fleet modernization and renewal in its peacetime history, touching upon all elements of the fleet.

The 12 Halifax-class frigates, commissioned between 1992 and 1996, form the backbone of the RCN. The ships were originally designed for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, primarily in the open ocean.

The role of the Halifax-class frigate has changed. Current and evolving maritime threats are faster, stealthier, more maneuverable, and shifting from the open ocean to the littoral (near-shore) environment. The littoral environment poses challenges to sensors and weapons systems because of higher traffic density and proximity to shore-based threats. In addition, ships now face threats such as attacks from smaller, more maneuverable vessels that were not foreseen at the time of the ships’ design.

Innovations in procedures and tactics have enabled the frigates to operate effectively in the new threat environment, despite equipment limitations. However, sensor and weapons enhancements are needed to increase the ships’ ability to deal with these new threats into the future.

The Halifax-Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project manages both the modernization of the combat systems and a planned mid-life ship refit program to ensure the frigates remain effective throughout their service life. This work encompasses modernizing the ships’ platform, including ships’ systems upgrades, installation of new capabilities, such as enhanced radar, new electronic warfare system, upgraded communications and missiles integrated into a new Combat Management System.

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 (CSC).

Industrial cooperation and global export opportunities

The HCM/FELEX project falls under the Halifax-class modernization program (HCM). The HCM overall includes more than 30 companies that worked together closely with the Government of Canada to deliver a first-class capability, on time and on budget. This program is a highly complex and collaborative effort between the Department of National Defence (DND), RCN, and Canadian shipbuilding industry partners, and is delivering robust economic benefits to Canada.

Multiple competitive processes were put in place to select various contractors through open, fair and transparent procurement processes for this complex work package. In March 2008, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.’s Halifax Shipyards on the East coast and Seapsan’s Victoria Shipyards on the West coast were selected to conduct the refit work on the fleet. In November 2008, Lockheed Martin Canada was selected and awarded a contract for the Combat System Integration (CSI) work.

The modernized frigates will serve the RCN for years to come. The overall management and success of the program has proven to be a partnership model for future shipbuilding projects, and has been recognized internationally. For example, DND assisted the New Zealand Ministry of Defence with their decision to upgrade the combat systems on their ANZAC-class ships.

DND provided valuable information to New Zealand on the Combat Management System, installed as part the HCM/FELEX program, and shared our modernization experiences to date. This global export opportunity is the result of the close collaboration between DND and industry.

Project breakdown

The Halifax-Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension project and other separately-funded projects within the overarching Halifax-Class Modernization program are bringing enhanced capabilities to the ships, which are required to meet the new threats and changing operating environments.

These include:

Many maintenance and sustainment activities and projects strive to maintain equipment at its current level of capability through the execution of intensive preventative, corrective, and unique mid-life maintenance activities.

There are also several follow-on, stand-alone contracts let outside theHalifax-class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension project to complete other needed upgrades, such as accommodation for the Cyclone Maritime Helicopter and the new Protected Military Satellite Communication System.

Cost breakdown

Work Activity Industry Approx. cost

Combat System Integration/In-Service Support

Lockheed Martin Canada

$2 billion

Mid-life refit/Shipyards

Irving Shipbuilding Inc.’s Halifax Shipyard /Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards

$1.2 billion

Other Standalone Projects/Maintenance and Sustainment

Various contractors

$1.1 billion

TOTAL

$4.3 billion

Project milestones and operational achievements

Planning, preparation, and coordination of the HCM/FELEX project began in 2002. The first modernization refit began in September 2010 and, we started operational deployments in late 2014.

In 2015, two of the Navy’s modernized frigates (HMCS Fredericton and HMCS Winnipeg) were deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO-led assurance measures that promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. Three modernized frigates also participated in successful exercises:

Following acceptance of HMCS Toronto, in late Summer 2016, corresponding sea trials and project close-out activities are expected to be completed by January 2018.

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Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca


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