ATLANTIC

Canada's 12 frigates to get new radar systems from Saab Microwave

THE CANADIAN PRESS Published Thursday, July 3, 2014 3:42PM ADT Last Updated Thursday, July 3, 2014 3:43PM ADT

HMCS Charlottetown heads from its berth in Halifax harbour on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

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HALIFAX - The federal government is spending $18.5 million to upgrade the radar systems used aboard the Royal Canadian Navy's 12 frigates.

Federal Justice Minister Peter MacKay, the regional minister for Nova Scotia, made the announcement today at Canadian Forces Base Halifax, where some of the warships are based.

The contract has been awarded to Saab Microwave Canada Ltd., which will overhaul the weapons-control radars.

The work is part of the ongoing modernization of the Halifax-class vessels.

Each of the warships is equipped with radar systems that are paired with weapons-control systems that can track threats from aircraft, ships and missiles.

The modernization program includes giving each ship a new command-and-control system, new electronic-warfare system and upgraded communications technologies and missiles.