Government announces long-term investments to sustain key defence equipment in Halifax-class frigates

As stated in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is committed to acquiring or upgrading armament and systems for current and future platforms allowing for more effective naval capabilities and enhancing naval intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms. In August 2018, two contracts for maritime equipment were announced to help support this goal.

As stated in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is committed to acquiring or upgrading armament and systems for current and future platforms allowing for more effective naval capabilities and enhancing naval intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms. In August 2018, two contracts for maritime equipment were announced to help support this goal.

Enhancing Capabilities

The Halifax-class frigates possess a number of systems and platforms that respond to various types of threats. The frigates also employ a number of counter-measures to protect themselves. As armament continues to evolve, so must these defense systems. 

The Reprogrammable Advance Multimode Shipboard Electronic Countermeasures System (RAMSES) is an electronic attack system that protects the modernized Halifax-class frigates against radio frequency guided missiles. RAMSES employs jamming signals to
trick and distract anti-ship missiles (ASM) from hitting the ship. Through a contract with Lockheed Martin Canada, key parts of RAMSES will undergo a comprehensive technology refresh. The contract also secures repair, overhaul, engineering changes, and ongoing support services.This work will ensure the system remains relevant and capable for the life of the Halifax-class frigates.  

Along with RAMSES, MASS is an integral part of the anti-ship missile defence suite in the Halifax-class frigates. It is a firing system used to launch decoys to protect vessels against anti-ship missiles guided by radio-frequency, laser, and infrared seekers. The Halifax-class frigates currently possess a two-launcher configuration. Through a contract with Rheinmetall Canada, the Royal Canadian Navy will enhance this configuration to a three-launcher configuration. This will augment the protection of the Canadian multi-role frigates to 360° coverage and improve defensibility from modern threats in a variety of situations.

The Government hascommitted to significant long-term investment in the Canadian Armed Forces, helping ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is an agile, flexible and responsive naval force that possesses the equipment needed to contribute on behalf of Canada to international operations.

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