HMCS
Vancouver is a Halifax-class frigate with a displacement of 4,795 tonnes.
It was commissioned in 1993. As with the rest of this class of frigates,
it was designed as a general-purpose vessel with increased ASW capabilities.
In 2013, it went through an 18-month Mid-Life Upgrade. The programme
included the integration of a new combat management system, radars (primary
and secondary), communications suite, electronic warfare system and
of a long-range IRST.
The MLU allowed the Canadian Navy to make the necessary changes in the
combat management system, so as to configure the Harpoon missile to
engage ground targets. Such an innovation allows the development of
a joint tactical doctrine, according to Commander Clive Butler. The
engagement of ground targets with a missile system would offer Special
Forces to guide modern naval weapons against high-value enemy assets. |
