The Canadian government announced on 8 March the implementation contract award to Irving Shipbuilding Inc (ISI) for the construction of the new River-class guided-missile destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
Through its updated defence policy titled Our North, Strong and Free (ONSAF), the Canadian government is equipping the RCN with the advanced vessels necessary for both present and future missions, while simultaneously fostering employment opportunities throughout the country.
The RCN will deliver significant combat capabilities for maritime operations and will also enhance joint-force initiatives on land. Additionally, it will facilitate missions related to counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering and surveillance, interdiction and embargo enforcement, humanitarian aid, search and rescue efforts, as well as the enforcement of laws and sovereignty.
With an initial investment of CAD 8 billion designated for the first six years of construction, this contract facilitates the building and delivery of the first three vessels, along with the development and provision of essential training, spare parts, and maintenance resources necessary for the operational support of the ships.
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence said: “By investing in our own industry, Canadian workers are helping to build the fleet of the future, equipping the Navy and our members in uniform modern and versatile ships they need for Canada’s important contributions to peace and security at home, and abroad. This work will create more than 5,000 jobs in Halifax and across Canada, supporting local economies from coast to coast to coast.”
The initiative represents the most extensive and intricate shipbuilding project undertaken in Canada since the Second World War and is central to the government’s pledge to rejuvenate Canada’s maritime industry, establish an independent shipbuilding capacity, and cultivate a skilled and experienced workforce to modernize Canada’s fleets through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy stated: “Today’s announcement is a major step forward in delivering the first three River-class Destroyers – these impressive ships will offer an incredible capacity to the Royal Canadian Navy and Canada, ensuring that we can defend our waters against any adversary and deliver frontline combat power anywhere in the world.”
The River-class is derived from the Type 26 warship design developed by BAE Systems, which is currently under construction in the United Kingdom, with a variant also being produced for Australia known as the Hunter-class Frigate. This new class of vessels will feature advanced underwater sensors, cutting-edge radar technology, and contemporary weaponry. The initial trio of ships will be designated His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Fraser, Saint-Laurent, and Mackenzie, named in honor of Canada’s key waterways that connect to the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans.
