Keel laid for Canadian Navy’s first River-class destroyer

June 15, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Canadian shipbuilding company Irving Shipbuilding has laid the keel for the first River-class destroyer (RCD), the future HMCS Fraser, for the Royal Canadian Navy.

The coin, selected by the Royal Canadian Navy and presented by Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, was welded in place by Brandon VanHeighten, a Red Seal welder, and fitted by Jaeson Fredericks, a Red Seal metal fabricator at Halifax Shipyard.

“The River-class Destroyer program is Canada’s most ambitious naval build in decades, and it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the builders at Irving Shipyards in Halifax. It’s a perfect example of how the National Shipbuilding Strategy is boosting our defence capabilities while strengthening Canada’s industrial base and growing our economy,” Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, said.

“We’re producing the next generation fleet for the Royal Canadian Navy, while delivering on every one of our commitments to sustain the legacy ships,” Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding, stated.

Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving Shipbuilding has delivered six Arctic and offshore patrol ships (AOPSs) for the Royal Canadian Navy, is constructing two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard, up to 15 RCD for the Royal Canadian Navy, and is providing essential ship repair services for the Halifax-class frigates.

Irving Shipbuilding names Canadian Navy’s sixth and final AOPS

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.