Thales, Lockheed Martin to provide towed array sonar for Canada’s River-class destroyers

May 29, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Thales Canada has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada to supply the S2087, a member of the low‑frequency towed array sonars CAPTAS family, for the Royal Canadian Navy’s future River‑class destroyers.

Under Canada’s new Build–Partner–Buy framework, the Government of Canada is strengthening cooperation with the UUK and other nations to ensure the RCN possesses anti‑submarine warfare (ASW) sensing capabilities.

Thales plans to work closely with Canadian industry partners to support its sonar systems throughout their full lifecycle, ensuring that maintenance and upgrade capabilities remain firmly under Canada’s sovereign control.

Building on this foundation, the delivery of the S2087 long‑range, low‑frequency towed array sonar will provide a decisive enhancement to the undersea domain dominance of Canada’s next‑generation combat fleet, according to Thales.

“The S2087 adds a critical layer of capability to the River‑class destroyers, ensuring Canada’s surface combatants are equipped to operate effectively in contested maritime environments,” said Ian Krepps, CEO, Thales Canada.

“As we deliver this advanced sonar system, Thales remains deeply committed to Canada—investing in local expertise, strengthening sovereign capabilities, and working alongside Canadian industry to safeguard the nation’s security for decades to come.”

“The River-class Destroyer Program delivers significant economic benefits to Canada, bringing advancements in Canadian technology and manufacturing all along the Canadian supply chain,” said Stephen Isaacs, General Manager for Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary & Missions Systems.

“This selection is a prime example of how our partners contribute to that Canadian ecosystem.”

The S2087 was originally developed in close partnership with the British, French, and Italian navies. has been chosen by 20 navies around the world, and is currently deployed by the Royal Navy and selected for Australia’s Hunter‑class frigates.

The River‑class destroyers will form the backbone of the RCN, replacing the Halifax‑class frigates and Iroquois‑class destroyers.