BAE Systems and Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI) have signed a pivotal contract to move forward with Canada's River-Class destroyer program. This comes after the Canadian Government’s approval for the construction of the first three ships in a planned fleet of 15. The program is the largest and most complex shipbuilding effort in Canada since WWII.
These advanced destroyers will support a variety of missions, including maritime combat, counter-piracy, counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and humanitarian efforts. BAE Systems will provide consultancy and support throughout the construction process, leveraging expertise from the UK’s Type 26 and Australia’s Hunter-class programs. This collaboration ensures efficient ship production for the Royal Canadian Navy.
Anderson Smith, International Programmes Director at BAE Systems, praised the efforts of the program's partners, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration in delivering world-class naval capabilities. Dirk Lesko, President of Irving Shipbuilding, called the contract a milestone for both the company and Canada, highlighting the stability it brings to the skilled workforce behind Canada’s surface fleet.
With the UK, Australia, and Canada adopting the Global Combat Ship design, the program now spans three nations and could eventually lead to a 29-ship fleet. This collaboration strengthens naval ties and ensures advanced maritime capabilities for years to come.
