September 16, 2008: Canada is spending about $242 million each to
upgrade its twelve Halifax class frigates. It will take nine years to complete
the process (with each ship being out of service for 18 months and the first
refit not beginning until 2010.) The 4,800 ton Halifax's entered service during
1992-96 and have a crew of 225. Armament consists of four torpedo tubes, a 57mm
gun, a 20mm Phalanx anti-missile autocannon, eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles,
16 Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles
and a helicopter. There is onboard and towed sonar as well as electronic
countermeasures.
The modernization electronics (fiber
optic replacing copper wire, current electronics for sensors and computers and
upgraded sensors.) Weapons will upgraded to current models.
