Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:27:57-1:30:37

Tracing the long development of the Halifax-class frigates

The Halifax programme is judged reasonably well run, with roughly 25 years of development behind it. No precise starting date is supplied, and changes of programme name make the lineage difficult to trace.

Halifax Class FrigatesNaval ProcurementRoyal Canadian NavyShipbuildingType 32 FrigateType 83 Destroyer
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Question

When did Canada's frigate programme begin, and how successful was the programme that led to the Halifax class?

Short answer

The Halifax programme is judged reasonably well run, with roughly 25 years of development behind it. No precise starting date is supplied, and changes of programme name make the lineage difficult to trace.

Notes

No firm starting date for the programme is identified. The Halifax class is described as the outcome of about 25 years of work and a programme that was reasonably well run. Repeated name changes can hide how much one project inherits from earlier work. Successive projects can retain personnel and designs even when presented as fresh starts. British Type 32 and CCV work, followed by Type 83 and the future air-defence programme, provide examples of the same difficulty in following a project's lineage. The future competition winners and construction timing remain predictions.