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Halifax class

Royal Canadian Navy

The Halifax-class multi-role patrol frigates are the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The ships were built to be submarine hunters and to fight other warships and air threats in the open ocean.

Today and tomorrow’s threats to our ships are going to be faster, stealthier, and more maneuverable than ever. Where conflict takes place is also changing, shifting from the open ocean to shorelines. To respond we are constantly adapting our procedures and tactics to allow the class to confidently operate in the new threat environment.

At a glance

  • Maximum
    Displacement

    4,770 tonnes

  • Length

    134.1 metres

  • Beam

    16.4 metres

  • Top speed

    30 knots (56 km/h)

  • Range

    9,500 nautical miles

  • Maximum
    Crew

    225

Canada’s ambassador around the world 

The class is the RCN’s first choice when conducting operations because the frigates can perform such a wide range of missions. 

Their main purpose is to stop hostile nations and organizations from performing illegal activities, and when necessary, engage in combat. The frigates also serve as Canada’s representatives in multinational taskforces like Combined Task Force 150 and Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. 

Internationally they deliver peacekeeping support, humanitarian aid, and provide disaster relief which support the diplomatic priorities of the Government of Canada. 

Fun fact! Each of the Royal Canadian Navy’s ship is a piece of our country, so when we stop come alongside in international ports it is as if a piece of Canada has stopped by for a visit. 

Weapons

Harpoon long range missile

A surface-to-surface missile that can be fired at threats from great distances and over the horizon.

Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles

A surface-to-air missile that protects the ship from attacking missiles and aircraft.

Bofors 57mm rapid-fire gun Mk 3

A remote-controlled naval artillery cannon that can use a variety of ammunition based on operational need.

20mm Phalanx anti-missile close-in-weapons-system (CIWS)

An automated gun-based close-in weapon system that defends the ship automatically against incoming aircraft, missiles, and small boats.

Naval Remote Weapon Stations (NRWS)

Remotely controlled heavy machine guns that have stabilization and electro-optical fire control. Four weapon mounts installed per ship provide 360-degree coverage for surveillance and protection.

Anti-submarine homing torpedoes

Guided torpedoes that can seek out and neutralize below surface threats and submarines.

Multi-ammunition Softkill System (MASS)

A system that fires a variety of decoys that can stop a missile from locking onto a ship.

Aircraft

The Halifax class can deploy with a CH-148 Cyclone, one of the most capable maritime helicopters in the world. The Cyclone can perform surface and sub-surface surveillance, search and rescue missions, tactical transport and more.

It can operate during the day or night and in most weather conditions to support missions in Canada and around the world.

Ships in class