Canadian Navy’s River-class destroyers to receive MDA Space’s sensor systems

Canadian technology company MDA Space has been awarded next phase contracts for the delivery and integration of two critical sensor systems for the River-class destroyer (RCD) program.

The contracts, valued at $60 million, are for the delivery and integration of sensor systems for the first three ships. The systems are expected to improve situational awareness and protect the ships against laser and optical guided threats.

The MDA Space sensors are being designed and developed in Richmond, B.C., Halifax, N.S. and Brampton, Ontario.

“As a headquartered Canadian company and a long-term trusted mission partner to Canada’s Department of National Defence, MDA Space is proud to work with Canada’s world-leading defence industrial base to deliver next generation naval sensors for the River-class Destroyer program,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. 

Irving Shipbuilding will build the new River-class destroyers at Halifax Shipyard as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada’s long-term strategy to renew the federal fleet and reinvigorate the shipbuilding sector. Lockheed Martin Canada is leading the combat management system design and integration team, which includes MDA Space, CAE, L3 Harris, Ultra, BAE, and others.

The River-class destroyer is based on the BAE Systems Type 26 warship design, being built by the United Kingdom, and a variant of which is being built for Australia as the Hunter-class frigate. 

• Length: 151.4 metres
• Beam: 20.75 metres
• Speed: 27 knots
• Class: 15 ships
• Displacement: 7800 tonnes
• Max Navigational Draught: ~8m
• Range: 7000 nautical miles
• Accommodation: 210

Once delivered, the RCD fleet will provide advanced and multi-mission combat ships, equipped with next-generation capabilities to support a wide range of missions. Specifically, the vessels will support joint-force operations ashore, as well as missions conducted, including counter-piracy, counterterrorism, intelligence and surveillance, humanitarian assistance, research, and rescue.