The Halifax Class frigates, the backbone of the Navy for the past decade and a half, are undergoing modernization to meet the challenges of the next century.
Western Canada, British Columbia and Greater Victoria businesses are already reaping the benefits of this transformation through their role in modernizing the fleet. Once paired with the new Cyclone helicopters, the frigates will be among best ship-helicopter combinations available in the world.
Other initiatives include a new hangar and headquarters for 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at Pay Bay, upgrades to the Aurora Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and the Victoria Class submarine fleet becoming fully operational.
We are simultaneously planning the fleet of tomorrow. The new Joint Support Ships will add new capabilities to support operations ashore in a way the Navy has never had before. They will enable a Naval Task Group to maintain its ability to deploy around the globe through the support ships replenishment capabilities. They will also have added capacity for sealift and increased support to troops ashore.
The Arctic Offshore Patrol ships will allow Canada to maintain its sovereignty in our three national ocean approaches, permitting our other Royal Canadian Navy ships to continue deploying abroad on international tasks.
The development of a new surface combatant to eventually replace all the current frigates and destroyers means the Navy is engaged in the most intensive fleet modernization and replacement program in half a century.
Positioning the Royal Canadian Navy for success involves a comprehensive and sustained effort if we are to confidently put ships and sailors to sea, when and where it matters to Canadians.
The first priority is to maintain the Navy's ability to successfully undertake operations anywhere in the world. This includes steps to better integrate the Regular and Reserve components of the Navy at sea and ashore. This enables the Navy to deploy in support of multi-national operations, such as anti-piracy missions, enforcing United Nations resolutions abroad, or joining other Canadian government departments at home to respond to threats such as irregular migrants, smugglers or international criminals in Canadian waters.
As it has always been, the Royal Canadian Navy is "Ready Aye Ready" to do its duty for Canada.
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