EXCLUSIVE: First look at Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship under construction

Global News has an exclusive look at Canada’s first Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) being constructed in Halifax.

Canada has ordered six ships capable of armed sea-borne surveillance, including in Arctic waters. The powerful ships are capable of plowing through ice-packed waterways.

READ MORE: New Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship to be named after Nova Scotia hero

Construction of the ships began last September, with the first — to be named HMCS Harry DeWolf — scheduled to be delivered in 2018.

Each vessel will be 103 metres long and have a vehicle bay, helicopter capability and a remote-controlled 25 mm machine gun, the BAE mk 38.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The ships will “assert and enforce Canadian sovereignty, when and where necessary,” according to the Canadian Navy website.

READ MORE: Atlantic Canadians eagerly attend Irving Shipbuilding’s job fair in Fort McMurray

The $26.2 billion contract for the construction of the six AOPS and 15 Canadian Surface Combatants is a big boost for Halifax, with Irving Shipbuilding anticipating growing its workforce to 2,500 at times of peak production.

WATCH: Halifax Shipyard cuts steel for first arctic patrol ship