Canada’s River-class destroyer training to start before ships join fleet

February 13, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Modest Tree, a Nova Scotia–founded defense technology company, has been awarded a $32-million subcontract by Fleetway to deliver immersive, design-derived training systems supporting the Royal Canadian Navy’s transition from Halifax-class frigates to its future River-class destroyers.

Built directly from validated digital ship design data for the River-class destroyer and original equipment manufacturer documentation, the platform will convert complex engineering models into high-fidelity, interactive operational environments.

Sailors will train on ship systems well before commissioning. This is expected to accelerate readiness, reduce introduction-to-service risk, and strengthen Canada’s naval capability.

Specifically, the training system will integrate validated design data and technical documentation across the destroyer enterprise. Fleetway personnel will be trained to manage lifecycle courseware updates, ensuring configuration-accurate training evolves in step with the ship’s build and service life.

“In complex warships, preparation is decisive,” said John Newton (Rear-Admiral retired), Managing Director, Fleetway Inc.

“By generating training directly from the ship’s digital design, we are compressing the learning curve and forging crews ready to operate Canada’s most advanced surface combatants from day one.”

Last month, Irving Shipbuilding reported that it lifted and flipped the first unit for the first River-class destroyer, the future HMCS Fraser. Preparations are now underway for the next major phase of construction, with the keel-laying of the lead ship expected later this year.

Irving Shipbuilding reports on progress in Canada’s River-class destroyer program

Vessels

The River-class destroyer project, formerly known as the Canadian Surface Combatant program, represents the largest and most complex shipbuilding initiative undertaken in Canada since the Second World War. The vessels are based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 warship design, which is also being constructed for the United Kingdom and Australia.

Designed to deliver advanced combat capability, the ships will be equipped with enhanced underwater sensors, sophisticated radar systems, and modern weapons. A total of 15 River-class destroyers are planned to enter service with the Royal Canadian Navy beginning in the early 2030s, replacing both the Iroquois-class destroyers and the Halifax-class frigates.

Each vessel will measure 151.4 metres in length with a beam of 20.75 metres and will be capable of speeds of up to 27 knots. The ships will have a full-load displacement of approximately 7,800 tonnes and a maximum navigational draught of around eight metres. Designed for long-range operations, the River-class destroyers will have an operational range of approximately 7,000 nautical miles.