Modernizing Canada’s Halifax Class Frigates

Upgrading the Halifax Class

HCM/FELEX: The Program

The C$ 4.2 billion Halifax–Class Modernization (HCM) program includes HCM/FELEX Project worth $2.8 billion, many stand–alone projects worth about C$ 900 million, and numerous maintenance and sustainment national procurement activities worth C$ 500 million.

Canada’s FELEX (Frigate Life Extension) program will manage all work elements in the modernization program, to varying degrees, as the project’s overall Design Integration Authority. The FELEX program is responsible for the ship level design integration including any unique/specific engineering changes required. It’s also responsible for effective risk mitigation via scope management, design integration engineering, integrated risk management across all elements of the HCM, schedule coordination, and implementation/ installation management.

In 2008, respected defense journalist David Pugliese of the Ottawa Citizen noted that:

“Most of the industry folks that I have talked to acknowledge that this [18 months per ship, complete by 2017] is a tight and aggressive schedule considering the amount of work that needs to be done.”

Formal audits in 2011 and 2013 came to the same conclusions, but haven’t changed the program much. The first refit, of HMCS Halifax, began in Fall 2010. The last ship is scheduled to deliver in 2016 – 2017, and the program is expected to close in Winter 2019.

Halifax Class Modernizations

Some projects will be conducted wholly within FELEX, while others will be stand-alone projects that receive independent funding. Still others will be rolled into the ships’ maintenance efforts. Integral FELEX Projects include:

Control Systems. The ships’ current Communications Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) was supplied by SED Systems of Saskatoon, with a message processing system from Lockheed Martin Electronic Systems Canada. The Internal Communications System Upgrade includes a number of elements, as is true for American ships that are replacing their copper wiring with fiber optic lines, and gigabit Ethernet, and SATCOM hardware upgrades. The Halifax Class will also receive a new TETRA-based wireless system is being supplied through DRS by SELEX Elsag (q.v. Oct 9/13).

The new frigates will also receive an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) from L-3 MAPPS that will help handle damage control, electrical control, and machinery control on board. This is considered a maintenance upgrade.

Harpoon Missile System Upgrade. Halifax Class ships currently carry 8 RGM-84 Block IC anti-ship missiles each. Boeing’s Harpoon Block II adds GPS guidance, much better near-shore capability, and land attack options.

Defensive Systems. Electronic Warfare System upgrade – Electronic Support Measures. ESM backtracks radar signals to find their origin, which can include incoming radar-guided anti-ship missiles. The SLQ-501 Canews (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), and SLQ-505 radar jammer will be replaced by systems from Elbit Systems of Israel, which also supplied Australia’s FFG-7 frigate upgrade.

In parallel, a maintenance upgrade will remove BAE Systems Shield mk2 missile decoy launchers, which can fire chaff to 2km, and infrared rockets to 169m in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. In 1997, Canada upgraded its 4 aged Tribal/Iroquois Class destroyers with BAE Australia’s Nulka hovering decoy systems – but the Halifax Class will use Rheinmetall Defence’s MASS launchers and decoy system instead.

Semi-independent (sovereignty-association?) projects include:

HMCCS – Halifax Modernized Command and Control System. Thyis is the core of the upgrade. The ships currently use the SHINPADS integrated processing and display system supplied by Lockheed Martin Canada, each using about 15 AN/UYK-501 workstations manufactured by General Dynamics Canada. They will be replaced with the CanACCS-9LV variant of Saab’s 9LV system. It’s a popular combat system, used around the world in classes ranging from Sweden’s ultra-modern Visby corvettes, to Australia’s forthcoming Canberra Class LHD amphibious landing ships.

ESSM – Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile. The frigates currently carry 16 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles, which cannot cope with modern threats. Raytheon’s RIM-162 ESSM is an entirely new missile that has become the new NATO standard, with substantially better maneuverability and capability against low-flying targets.

Gun upgrades. The radar-guided MK15 Phalanx 20mm gatling guns are being upgraded to the Block IB standard across the Royal Canadian Navy. The MK15 Block IB continues to operate as a last-ditch defense against incoming missiles, while improving performance against surface targets like swarming fast boats, and aerial targets like UAVs and helicopters.

At the same time, the ships’ main Saab Bofors (now BAE) 57mm rapid-fire naval gun will be upgraded to Mk3 status. The Mk3 offers substantially better capabilities against targets like helicopters, small boats and UAVs, and can even be used in a last-ditch defensive role against anti-ship missiles. This turns it into a longer-range, harder-hitting complement to the Phalanx Block IB, improving the chances for last-ditch intercepts and close-in swarming fights.

IFF Mode S/5. Identification Friend-or-Foe technology isn’t foolproof, and if it fails, the results can be tragic. IFF Mode 5 offers new algorithms that improve performance, encryption, range, and civil compatibility. It also adds “lethal interrogation” as a must-respond last chance, and the ability to see individual aircraft even when they’re close together. The further addition of IFF Mode S assigns a discrete ‘squawk’ which is unique to each aircraft, and complies with advanced civil airspace requirements.

Radar Upgrades. The current set includes 2 Thales Nederland SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars, Raytheon’s SPS-49v5 long-range active air search radar operating in the C and D bands, and Saab Microwave Systems’ HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating in the G and H bands.

The Sea Giraffe radars are being upgraded (June 2/09 and Nov 26/10 entries), and Thales’ popular and powerful Smart-S Mk2 will replace the SPS-49 (July 2/09 entry).

SIRIUS – Long-range infrared search and track system. Important for near-shore surveillance, and ships operating under low-emissions restrictions. IRST on ships is especially useful against small surface targets, low flying aircraft, and anti-ship missiles. Its TV images are also useful for threat classification and identification. DRS Canada and Thales Nederland won with their Sirius system (April 21/06 entry).

Maintenance projects will include:

• Replacement of the ships’ Integrated Machinery Control System with the IPMS (see above).

• Gun upgrades to the 57mm main gun and Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, as described above.

• Installation of MASS decoy launchers, as described above.

• Replacement of the current Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar. Raytheon Anschutz’ NSC radar has been selected.

A pair of important projects aren’t conducted by Canada’s Navy, but the Navy will have to make sure they can work with the Halifax Class ships. The new CH-148/H-92 Maritime Helicopter will replace the existing CH-124 Sea King Fleet, and a new Military Satellite Communication System will offer greatly improved bandwidth and performance. Canada is a participant in the USA’s high-bandwidth AEHF program.

Contracts and Key Events

February 23/18: Upgrades-Phalanx CIWS Raytheon Canada will overhaul and provide in-service support for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems. Valued at CAD$330 million (USD$260.1 million), the deal tasks Raytheon with providing “maintenance, fleet technical support, repair and overhaul services on the Phalanx mounts which will ensure the systems are ready to address current and emerging threats.” Work will take place at Raytheon Canada’s Calgary facility. The deal follows an award reported earlier this month for Raytheon to upgrade the radars used on the RCN’s Phalanx CIWS.

February 1/18: Upgrades-Phalanx CIWS Raytheon’s Canadian operation has landed a USD$570 million in-service support contract to upgrade the radar systems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS). 21 sets of the system are covered under the deal, which includes engineering services, project management, support and disposal services, as well as the procurement of spares and test equipment. The contact is valid until 2031. Canada utilizes the rapid-fire, radar-guided gun system onboard its 12 Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigates while others are used for training. Ottawa also plans to install the system on new joint support ships that are due to enter service from 2021.

May 23/14: Sensors. General Dynamics Canada, Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems, and Raytheon Canada Limited announce a teaming agreement to bid for FELEX’s Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade (UWSU) project. Raytheon Canada will upgrade the hull-mounted sonar. Ultra Electronics will provide a towed low-frequency active sonar. General Dynamics Canada, who provided the original sonar systems, will act as prime contractor and integrate the technology from all 3 companies.

The RFP isn’t expected until 2015. Which would place the project beyond the main FELEX refits.

December 2013: Audit. Chief Review Services is clear that this follow-up isn’t an audit, but rather a review of whether the Management Action Plans (MAP) that resulted from the HCM/FELEX project audit (q.v. March 2011) were implemented as stated and have addressed the issues raised.

Overall, there have been improvements in project risk management, human resource forecasts and the Senior Review Board endorsement of capped Requests for Proposals and contract cash flow. Sources: DND, “Follow-up on Internal Audit: Halifax-class Modernization/Frigate Equipment Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) Project”.

Oct 9/13: Communications. Finmeccanica subsidiaries DRS Technologies Canada and SELEX Elsag announce a roughly C$ 11 million contract for a new Internal Communications System (ICS) based on TETRA radio technology standards. The focus is on wireless communications between damage control teams, flight deck crews, and 50-caliber gun teams.

These additions to the SHipboard INtegrated COMmunications System (SHINCOM) will include a TETRA Adaptanet duplicated control room infrastructure, PUMA T3 Plus2 Ex handheld radios, and fixed radio.

As prime contractor, DRS Technologies Canada will provide project management, system engineering, and support to ensure reliable operation and sustainability. SELEX Elsag is the technical lead, with responsibility for the design, manufacturing and qualification, plus training and support for final end user acceptance. Delivery is expected to begin in 2013, and to be complete by the middle of 2015. Sources: DRS Technologies and SELEX Elsag awarded contract to upgrade the Canadian HALIFAX Class Frigate Internal Communications System”.

Aug 21/13: Ship systems. Bronswerk Marine Inc. of Brossard, PQ receives a C$ 15 million contract to replace 50 chilled-water plants and pumps, before Canada’s Federal Halocarbon Regulations ban the current R22 coolant in 2020. This isn’t just for the galleys – a number of advanced naval systems need chilled-water cooling.

Bronswerk will deliver 4 units for each of the 12 frigates, plus 2 for land-based training, between 2014 – 2018. About 85% of the new chilled-water systems’ content and technology are Canadian-made. Sources: DND, “Canada invests in frigates and Canadian jobs”.

Nov 26/10: Sensors. Saab announces an additional MSEK 108 (USD 15.5 million) from Lockheed Martin Canada, to enhance the Sea Giraffe 150 HC 2D radars noted in our June 2/09 entry. The new modified Sea Giraffe 150 HC will have better performance in high clutter environments like near-shore littoral zones, and improved ability to detect and track low radar cross section targets on or just above the sea surface. The overall effect is to bring the radar close to the standards of the latest generation of Sea Giraffe AMB naval radars.

The radar upgrade is part of the larger Combat Systems Integration contract, awarded to Lockheed Martin Canada in 2008. As part of this order, subsidiary Saab Microwave Canada Ltd. in Halifax, Nova Scotia, will provide additional support services for the Canadian Navy. Saab Group.

Oct 7/09: Sensors. Raytheon Anschuetz announces that its NSC navigation radar will be used as part of the Halifax frigate upgrades. The X-/ and S-Band radars will be integrated into the new CanACCS 9LV command and control system, the navigation distribution system, and the Canadian Navy’s SHINNADS electronic chart system.

Sept 18/09: Ship systems. Northstar Network Ltd. in St. John’s NL announces an add-on to the C$ 2.6 million March 2009 contract from L-3 MAPPS to build consoles for land-based IPMS trainers (q.v. Dec 12/08). The original sub-contract involved 66 Standard Marine Consoles and 60 Local Operating Panels.

L-3 MAPPS pioneered theirIntegrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) on the Halifax Class, then innovated by steps to create an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) that has been adopted by 18 navies. Now the IPMS improvements and changes return to Canada under the current FELEX program. Its functions involve control and monitoring of propulsion, electrics, auxiliaries, and steering. Advanced functionality includes a damage control system, and an on-board training system. For the Halifax Class, additions will include CCTV integration and an interface with the ship’s new CanACCS-9LV combat management system. Sources: Northstar Network Ltd., “Northstar Receives Contract Add-on from L-3 for IPMS Simulators of Halifax-class Frigate Upgrade”.

Aug 3/09: IFF. Griffon Corp. subsidiary Telephonics Corporation announces a contract with Lockheed Martin Canada to provide a new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Interrogator. The initial award is for $US 16.3 million, with a projected value expected to exceed $US 20 million.

This contract represents Telephonics’ first entry for its all new Common Module ALL MODE interrogator system into the shipboard IFF market, adding Mode 5 and Mode S capabilities. A variant sold under the nomenclature AN/UPX-40 is already used in Canada’s CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft (P-3), and its future CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter (H-92). Other all mode IFF systems from Telephonics include the 40(V), 505, 505(V) and AN/UPX-43 (V).

IFF mistakes can and have resulted in friendly fire deaths. Mode 5 IFF offers much improved algorithm, encryption, range, and civil compatibility. It also adds “lethal interrogation” as a must-respond last chance, and the ability to see individual aircraft even when they’re close together. The further addition of Mode S assigns a discrete ‘squawk’ which is unique to that platform.

July 31/09: Industrial. Official opening of Lockheed Martin Canada’s new 100,000 square foot Maritime Advanced Training and Test Site (MATTS) in the Highfield Industrial Park in Dartmouth, NS. MATTS will host critical training systems, simulation and testing labs and a new Technology Collaboration Centre that provides a near-at-sea environment for Canadian businesses to test and develop solutions. The facility will host land-based testing and simulation of the frigates’ new combat systems, prior to installation on each vessel. It will also house training systems similar to those currently housed at the Canadian Forces base in Stadacona, reflecting the new combat system. Lockheed Martin release.

In April 2009, Lockheed Martin announced that it was expanding its Nova Scotia operation, adding 100 new jobs over five years. The Province of Nova Scotia, through Nova Scotia Business Inc., is supporting this growth with a $1.8 million payroll rebate.

July 2/09: Sensors. Thales announces an agreement with Lockheed Martin to deliver 13 Smart-S Mk2 surveillance radars, as part of the Halifax Class Modernization Program.

These 3D multibeam S-band radars are optimized for medium-to-long range volume search and target designation, and includes features that help it work in cluttered near-shore environments with hostile small craft. Key features include 2 main modes, a 250 km/ 135 nautical mile range, up to 70 degree elevation, full support for the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, a special helicopter mode, and surface fire channels. Deliveries will begin in Summer 2010 and be complete in 2015.

One interesting wrinkle is that Lockheed Martin, as the prime contractor, is responsible for this contract’s 100% value industrial offsets requirement. Thales Canada, who recently won a contract from the government for aerostat blimps and surveillance towers, has pledged to help Lockheed Martin meet this target. David Pugliese’s Defence Watch.

June 19/09: Weapons. The Government of Canada awards Raytheon Canada Limited of Calgary, AB an 8-year, C$ 180 million contract to overhaul, repair and upgrade the Canadian Navy’s Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS). The Phalanx serves on Canada’s Halifax class frigates, its aged Iroquois/Tribal class “air defense” destroyers, and its Protecteur class supply ships. The upgrades will likely take the systems to Phalanx Block 1B status, which improves capabilities against fast boats, helicopters, and UAVs.

Canada’s Industrial and Regional Benefit (IRB) Policy applies to this procurement. It requires that Raytheon Canada Limited undertake “high quality and advanced-technology business activities in Canada valued at 100 per cent of the contract value.”

June 2/09: Sensors. Saab announces a SEK 180 million (about US$ 24 million) contract from Lockheed Martin to supply its Sea Giraffe 150 HC surveillance radar, for use on Canada’s modernized frigates.

May 7/09: ECM. Elbit Systems subsidiary Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd. receives a US$ 55 million contract from Lockheed Martin Canada Ltd., to supply Electronic Warfare equipment for the Canadian Navy’s Halifax Frigate Modernization program. An Elbit spokesperson told DID that “only passive EW systems” will be supplied, as opposed to equipment for active jamming. Elbit Systems release [PDF] | Elisra naval EW products page.

March 30/09: ECM. A contract to equip the 12 Halifax Class frigates with its MASS (Multi Ammunition Softkill System) naval countermeasures system, in place of BAE Systems Shield mk2 missile decoy launchers, is announced. If the ship is attacked, MASS fires decoys that work in all relevant wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum (radar, infrared, laser, EO, UV). The programmable system can be integrated into all naval command and control systems, but can also operate in a stand-alone mode.

No costs are provided. Deliveries will take place during the 2010-2014 timeframe, with Rheinmetall Defence’s ship protection specialists in Fronau, Germany as the prime contractor and Rheinmetall Canada Inc. working as a subcontractor. Canadian government | Rheinmetall Defence.

Since its market launch in 2002, MASS has attracted orders from 9 nations, for 130 launchers, on 15 different classes of naval vessels. Announced customers now include Germany (F123 Class frigates, K130 Class corvettes, 2 minehunter classes), Canada (Halifax Class frigates), Finland (Squadron 2000 FACs), Norway (Skjold Class FACs), Oman (Khareef Class OPVs), Sweden (Visby, Goteborg and Stockholm Class corvettes), the United Arab Emirates (Baynunah Class frigate), and an unnamed “country in the Middle East.”

Feb 25/09: Weapons. BAE Systems announces a US $50 million contract to upgrade 14 of its 57mm guns from the Mk2 to Mk3 configuration. The Mk3 gun (Mk110 in the USA) can fire Bofors 3P ammunition with 6 different mode capabilities, including standard proximity fuzing, gated proximity for air defense, impact, armor piercing, and a timed mode that helps it hit small, fast-maneuvering naval targets or concealed on-shore targets. Each round can be individually programmed, and the gun will fire up to 220 rounds per minute.

The contract funds one upgraded gun for each Halifax Class ship, one training gun and one spare gun. The contract also includes an option worth US $25 million for Integrated Logistic Support products, including simulators, interface computers, a training package, documentation and spare parts. Upgrades will be performed at the BAE Systems Bofors facilities in Karlskoga, Sweden from 2009 – 2016, before being shipped back and installed in Halifax and Victoria, Canada. Frontier India report.

Dec 12/08: Ship systems. The Government of Canada announces a contract to L-3 Communications MAPPS Inc. for a new Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The 12 Halifax Class frigates require an IPMS to upgrade the damage control, electrical control and integrated machinery control systems on board. The system will also link sensors and computer systems to the Halifax Class Command and Control System, providing real-time updates.

The IPMS system has also been selected for the UK Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth Cass aircraft carriers. L-3 release.

Sept 5/08: Preferred bidder. Lockheed Martin Canada, as the last contractor team standing, becomes the preferred bidder for the Halifax Class’ Combat Systems Integration (CSI) Design contract and Build and In-Service Support contract.

The C$ 1.4 billion CSI contract will upgrade the ships’ command and control systems, including the addition of Saab’s 9LV combat system. Team Lockheed will also redesign the operations room, and reconfigure the ship’s mast to accommodate a new radar suite. The actual refit work will take place at Halifax Shipyards and at Victoria Shipyards Company, per the April 21/08 entry.

The In-Service Support contract is valued at approximately C$ 600 million, and will ensure long-term support of the installed systems. Government of Canada release.

June 11/08: 1 bidder. Defense reporter David Pugliese of the Ottawa Citizen reports that the General Dynamics team has withdrawn:

“The buzz in the defence industry that started over the problems on the Halifax-class frigate modernization program has risen to a collective groan about how the defence procurement system has gone off the rails.

Fingers seem to be pointed in a number of directions; inexperienced DND procurement staff, lack of proper guidance from Public Works and unreasonable expectations for the amount of money on the table, are among the reasons folks are putting forth about the growing problems with military equipment projects… Well, General Dynamics and its partners (General Dynamics was one of two consortiums that were deemed capable of working on this project) decided not to bid on the $1.1 billion program as it was just too risky and “not commercially viable.”

A consortium led by Lockheed Martin Canada, following the rules set out by the government, dutifully put in their bid last Friday.”

June 9/08: 1 bidder. Deadline for HCM-CSI bid submission. Reports indicate that the team composed of Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors, Saab Systems, xwave, IBM Canada, L-3 Electronics and CAE Professional Services was the sole bidder.

April 17/08: Lockheed Martin Canada’s Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) Team uses the CANSEC 2008 show to demonstrate its integrated combat management system, including the proposed “CanACCS-9LV” combat system, advanced consoles, ship integration modeling, and a modernized operations room. Some of the attendees include some of the sailors who will eventually operate the modernized Halifax Class ships.

While there’s always a long leap between a demonstration and a working system, the intended positioning as a low-risk solution could not be clearer. Lockheed Martin release.

April 7/08: General Dynamics Canada announces that CMC Electronics Inc., of Montreal, Quebec, has joined their CSI HALIFAX bid team. CMC’s specialty is human factors engineering, and their experience includes providing a complete analysis of the operations room and communication requirements of the Halifax Class operations team. CMC has also developed components for the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarine and is currently investigating crewing effectiveness, joint fires support and collaborative tactical picture compilation for multi-nation task groups.

March 17/08: Team GD. With MDA’s team eliminated in the initial down-select, the Vancouver firm joins the General Dynamics team. General Dynamics Canada announces the move; their team now consists of GD/GD-AIS, MDA, Raytheon, and Thales Canada/Nederland.

MDA makes Canada’s Naval Combat Operator Trainer, which required a certain amount of familiarity with the combat system. Their experience will be used to maintain training-system currency with the new system, and contribute to In-Service Support during the legacy period.

Feb 11/08: General Dynamics Canada announces that Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems has joined its CSI Halifax Team. Raytheon builds the frigates’ SPS-49 radar, RIM-7 Sea Sparrow air defense missile and its RIM-162 ESSM successor, their Mk 46 torpedoes, and their Phalanx close-in weapons system for last-ditch missile defense and firepower against UAVs and small boats.

Jan 4/08: Competition. David Pugliese of the Ottawa Citizen offers a round-up of 3 teams competing for the HCM program. The 3rd team is led by Canadian Firm MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates, in partnership with EADS subsidiary Atlas Elektronik of Germany, who is offering the same ANCS command and control systems recently provided to the German and Finnish navies.

MDA’s team would be eliminated in the first down-select, leaving Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics to battle for the contract.

Jan 3/08: Competition. Lockheed Martin hosts the Canadian Navy’s Combat System Integration Lab at their facility in Montreal. Unsurprisingly, they’re leveraging that to assist their bid. The firm announces that Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System is now operational in that lab, a move that may reduce the system’s perceived technical risk.

Dec 18/07: Team Lockheed. Lockheed Martin announces that L-3 Electronics Systems Canada has joined its Combat Systems Integrator bid team, alongside Saab Systems, IBM Canada, xwave and CAE Professional Services. L-3 is involved in the CP-140 Aurora Avionics Optimized Weapons Systems Management contract, and led the Tribal Class Update and Modernization Project (TRUMP) for Canada’s aged destroyers.

Sept 5/07: Team GD. General Dynamics Canada announces its team for the [at the time] $1.1 billion Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) – Combat Systems Integration (CSI) program, which will be based on Thales’ TACTICOS.

General Dynamics Canada is heading the team. They currently act as the integrated mission systems contractor for Canada’s new CH-148/H-92 maritime helicopters, and the AIMP program to improve the CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft fleet. GD Avanced Information Systems brings their experience with the USA’s Littoral Combat Ships. Thales Nederland and Thales Canada bring their TACTICOS command and control system ship-sets, which serve with 13 different navy customers on 12 different ship types. They also bring a position as the established radar provider for the Halifax Class, and their recent SIRIUS IRST system win.

April 11/07: Team Lockheed. Lockheed Martin announces its intention to pursue the Halifax class’ mid-life modernization program, and unveils its team at the annual CANSEC trade show in Ottawa. Their combat system will be based on Saab’s 9LV.

Lockheed Martin Canada is the current systems integrator for the Halifax Class, and is an original equipment manufacturer for its current combat system. They also hosts the Canadian Navy’s combat systems integration lab at their facility in Montreal, and maintain the frigates’ Operations Room Team Trainer (ORTT) simulator.

Saab brings its popular 9LV ship’s combat system, delivered to 15 navies worldwide. IBM Canada, xwave and CAE Professional Services bring made-in-Canada software applications and in-service support expertise that will address integrated logistics support, human factors engineering, et. al.

April 21/06: Sensors. The Canadian navy placed an order for 13 Sirius long-range Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems with DRS Technologies Canada, now part of the Italian Finmeccanica group following a 2008 acquisition announcement. Thales Nederland is the major subcontractor. The larger order is placed in conjunction with the Netherlands, who will be installing them on their ultra-modern F124 De Zeven Provincien anti-air frigates. In Canada, 12 systems are slated for the Halifax Class frigate upgrade program, and one will be used for land-based training. The systems will be delivered between 2008 – 2011.

For full coverage of the contract’s details, the Sirius system’s capabilities, and why those capabilities matter to modern ships, read “Canada & Holland Order 17 SIRIUS Shipboard Long-Range IRST Sensors.”

April 5/06: Team DRS. DRS Technologies Canada announces that its frigate upgrade team will include the Armaris joint venture between France’s DCN and Thales Naval. ////their combat system will be based on the Ship Enhanced Tactical Information System (SETIS), which was developed for the new Franco-Italian FREMM frigate program.

The agreement that will see DRS Technologies Canada bid as prime contractor, with Armaris as CMS supplier and integrator. Sources: DRS Technologies, “DRS Technologies Canada Teams with Armaris for the Upgrade of Canadian Navy Halifax Frigates”.

Additional Readings

Background: Halifax Class & HCM/FELEX

• Naval Technology – Halifax Class Frigates, Canada.

• Canada DND – Backgrounder: Halifax-Class Modernization (HCM) / Frigate Life Extension (FELEX). Updated Aug 21/13.

• Canada DND – Halifax-class Modernization / Frigate Life Extension. The Wayback machine has a snapshot of the old site (2008 snapshot), including sub-sections like project schedule.

• Public Works and Government Services Canada – Major Projects (Sea). See also an older, dedicated page (2008 snapshot).

Background: Key Sub-systems

• Lockheed Martin Canada – Naval Combat Management Systems.

• DID – Ships Ahoy! The Harpoon Missile Family. HCM upgrades to Block II.

• DID – Phalanx CIWS: The Last Defense, On Ship and Ashore. HCM upgrades to Block IB.

• DID – RIM-162 ESSM Missile: Naval Anti-Air in a Quad Pack.

Official Reports

• Canada DND (December 2013, #7050-11-48) – Follow-up on Internal Audit: Halifax-class Modernization/Frigate Equipment Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) Project.

• Canada DND (March 2011, #7050-50) – Audit of the Halifax-Class Modernization/Frigate Equipment Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) Project.

Similar Projects

• DID – Australia’s Hazard(ous) Frigate Upgrades: Done at Last. Their older FFG-7 frigates. Got done, but didn’t go very well.

• Australia DMO – SEA 1348 Ph 2 – ANZAC Ship Project. They were introduced around the same time as Canada’s Halifax Class, and Australia is also basing its upgrades around the 9LV combat system, ESSM missile, and Harpoon Block II strike missile. They’re using advanced locally-designed radars, however – the CEAFAR/CEAMOUNT.

• DID – New Zealand’s ANZAC Frigates Getting a Combat Upgrade. New Zealand’s ANZAC upgrade is less extensive.