RCN News

In a significant milestone, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) officially accepted its sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray,

HMCS William Hall is joined by international partners, the Danish Navy’s HDMS Lauge Koch and the French Navy’s FS Garonne, as the multinational group sets sail for Canada’s Arctic waters.

“There is a path for the federal government to decide which company will replace Canada’s aging submarine fleet by the end of the year,” Topshee said.

“This ship has proudly carried our city’s name across Canada’s oceans,” Jackson wrote. He envisions the vessel becoming a permanent exhibit in Brandon, where students, families, and visitors can explore its decks and learn about its service.

On August 14, 2025, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett sent a formal inquiry to the Royal Canadian Navy, expressing the city’s interest in acquiring the vessel

In naval tradition, the ship’s sponsor broke a bottle of L’Acadie Vineyards’ Prestige Brut sparkling wine against the bow of the ship.

These deployments underscore the RCN’s commitment to detecting, deterring, and defending against potential threats in the Arctic,

These initiatives will be rolled out over the next 12 months.

These Class-2 UAS, a first for the RCN, are expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2027, with full operational capability anticipated by 2032.

While the South Korean proposal is compelling, it faces competition from European shipbuilders, and the Canadian government has yet to issue a formal request for proposals.