Could preserved St Laurent-class DDHs stand in for retiring Halifax-class frigates?
Short answerNo; a modern off-the-shelf light frigate would be more useful, though even that risks undermining the common Type 26 fleet plan.
NotesThe St Laurent class reflects 1950s Canadian requirements and reaches roughly 3,000 tons at deep load in DDH form. Even well-maintained examples are rejected as substitutes for modern frigates. A current MEKO or Type 31 design would be a more credible option, after deciding what tasks the additional ships must perform. Buying a second class could require an overseas purchase and divert effort from the planned fifteen Type 26-derived ships. The argument favors commonality because fifteen ships of one class are considered easier to turn into available forces than fifteen split across several classes.