The Government of Canada has awarded Irving Shipbuilding a contract to build three River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy.
The contract, valued at $8 billion over six years, includes the construction and delivery of the ships, along with training, spare parts, and maintenance support. The total estimated cost for the program is $22.2 billion, covering equipment, systems, and ammunition.
The new destroyers are designed to support Canada’s defense commitments and will operate alongside allies such as NORAD, NATO, and Five Eyes partners. They will replace the retired Iroquois-class destroyers and Halifax-class frigates.
The ships, based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 design, will feature advanced radar, underwater sensors, and modern weaponry. The first three vessels will be named HMCS Fraser, HMCS Saint-Laurent, and HMCS Mackenzie.