As stated in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is delivering the capability the Royal Canadian Navy needs to meet future defence and security challenges and carry out the tasks required of a modern navy. Good weather or bad, our frigates need modern equipment to act as our eyes to safeguard Canadian waters and to participate in international operations.

“Our capacity to detect threats is critical to our ability to respond quickly with defence countermeasures. Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, is all about making sure our women and men in uniform have everything they need to do their jobs. This contract will help equip our Navy’s women and men in uniform with more effective and combat-ready technology. We will continue to identify opportunities to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces as they proudly defend Canada, Canadians, and our allies.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

“Our government is committed to ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the very best equipment possible in order to fulfill their mandate to protect Canadians, both at home and abroad. With this contract, the enhancements to the twelve Halifax-class frigates will provide their crews with the latest in modern technology to face any incoming threats.”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility

“Through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, our government ensures that for every dollar we spend on necessary defence and security equipment to protect Canadians, the successful bidder re-invests a dollar in the Canadian economy. This contract to upgrade the Sea Giraffe radar system will bring good jobs to our communities and further our plan to grow the economy.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Detection capabilities are becoming increasingly critical in the ever-evolving maritime security environment. Upgrading and modernizing our Royal Canadian Navy’s equipment will enable them to be more efficient and offer better security at home and abroad during operations supporting our allies.”

Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax 

“Investing in our women and men in uniform is investing in the Canadian economy. This contract benefits the aerospace industry and create jobs here in Canada. I am proud that our Government continues to deliver on our commitment.”

Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth — Cole Harbour

• The contract for new electronically stabilized antenna sets offers a performance-based approach. Based on the performance evaluation of the first installed antenna, additional sets could be procured and installed on the remainder of the fleet.

• The frigate to receive the first antenna is currently expected to be HMCS St John's, in early 2021. The installation will coincide with its planned maintenance period schedules. 

• The economic obligations on the Sea Giraffe contract have already benefited Canada’s aerospace industry, supporting a strategic partnership between SAAB and Bombardier for the integration of radar on a Global 6000 aircraft.   

Byrne Furlong
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
613-996-3100

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca