Canadian frigate tests surface missiles

Canada's HMCS Vancouver, a Halifax-class frigate, has successfully tested Harpoon Block II surface-to-surface missiles against a shore-based target, it was announced on 8 April.

The launches were part of the the Joint Littoral Training Exercise (JoLTEX) that the Royal Canadian Navy completed at a US naval missile firing range off the California coast.

In addition to being the first time the navy has exercised such a surface-to-surface missile launch capability, the firings mark a milestone in reinstituting the navy's sea-to-shore missile capabilities, which will support Canadian forces' combat operations ashore.

The successful firing of the missile in CTS mode also marks the first time that Harpoon Block II missiles have been coupled with the modernised frigate's new combat management system for the purpose. 

Commander Clive Butler, commander, HMCS Vancouver, said: 'From Vancouver’s perspective, JoLTEX 16 was a huge success. The missiles left the rails when ordered to do so, they followed the ordered path to the target, and they impacted the targets with precision. Vancouver’s team finished the exercise confident in the capability and excited to have contributed to the development of joint tactical doctrine.'