Halifax-class

The Halifax class, also referred to as the City class, is a series of twelve multi-role patrol frigates in service with the Royal Canadian Navy. The class resulted from the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, initiated in the mid-1970s to replace aging destroyer escorts including the St. Laurent, Restigouche, Mackenzie, and Annapolis classes. The Canadian government approved the construction of the first six vessels in 1983, followed by a second batch in 1987. Built between 1987 and 1996 by Saint John Shipbuilding and MIL Davie Shipbuilding, the lead vessel entered service in 1992.

The design focuses on anti-submarine warfare while maintaining capabilities for surface and air defense. Propulsion is provided by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system driving two shafts with controllable pitch propellers. The ships utilize Canadian-developed tactical command and control systems, including the Shipboard Integrated Communications System (SHINCOM) and the Shipboard Integrated Processing and Display System (SHINPADS). Aviation facilities include a hangar and a landing pad equipped with a recovery assist, secure and traverse (RAST) system, which supports helicopter operations in conditions up to sea state 6. The class carries a single helicopter, transitioning from the CH-124 Sea King to the CH-148 Cyclone. Armament includes Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles, Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles, a Bofors main gun, and a Phalanx close-in weapon system. Anti-submarine weapons consist of torpedoes launched from twin tubes.

In 2007, the Canadian government initiated the Halifax Class Modernization Project (HCMP) and the Frigate Equipment Life Extension (FELEX) program. This refit replaced the original combat architecture with the CMS 330 Combat Management System and integrated new sensors, including the SMART-S Mk 2 3D radar and the Sirius infrared search and track system. Electronic warfare capabilities were updated with the Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) and new electronic warfare suites. The construction phase of the modernization program concluded in 2016, and the fleet reached full operational capacity in 2018.

The twelve active vessels are named after Canadian provincial capitals and major cities. The class has been utilized in international operations, including deployments for Operation Reassurance. While production of the successor River-class destroyers began in April 2025, the Halifax class continues to receive upgrades, such as the Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade for sonar systems. The vessels are expected to remain operational into the 2040s.