Rear Admiral Dan Charlebois, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and Captain Luc Joseph Pierre Tremblay, Director of Naval Major Crown Projects. made the presentation and unveiled a detailed new scale model at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. This is the latest refinement of the design (based on the UK Type 26 frigate hull), which will produce up to 15 guided-missile destroyers (DDGH) to replace the Halifax-class frigates and the retired Iroquois-class destroyers. The first ship, HMCS Fraser, is already under construction at Irving Shipbuilding, with delivery expected in the early 2030s.
Key modifications visible in the new model (compared to the 2024 version):
- Main gun: Switched from the Leonardo 127/64 mm gun to the lighter BAE Systems 5-inch (127 mm) Mk 45 Mod 4 gun (with automated ammunition handling for better commonality with UK/Australian Type 26 variants and reduced topweight).
- Missile systems: Reduced to 24 Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) cells (in three 8-cell modules) capable of firing ESSM Block II, SM-2, or Tomahawk missiles. The secondary ExLS silo for Sea Ceptor missiles was deleted; space is reserved for one future additional 8-cell module. Naval Strike Missile (NSM) launchers were repositioned to the starboard side (athwartships) to avoid interference. A single RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launcher is now on the port side aft.
- Close-in weapons: Leonardo Lionfish 30 mm guns replaced by MSI-DS Mk 38 Mod 4 30 mm cannons (the same as used by the U.S. Navy).
- Sensors and other changes: Fire-control radar updated (now a rotating radar in a circular enclosure, possibly AN/SPS-73(V)18); six sets of Nulka decoy launchers added prominently amidships; single integrated mast retained for clear weapon arcs. The ship keeps the SPY-7 radar and Aegis combat system.
These changes are relatively minor (under 1% of displacement) and focus on cost control, integration, stability, NATO interoperability, and an emphasis on anti-submarine warfare over heavy air defence.
The River-class is expected to be a highly capable ~8,000-tonne multi-role destroyer with advanced ASW capabilities, a helicopter hangar, and flexible mission bay. More details will likely emerge as the project progresses.
If there is a desire to increase recruitment for the next big wave with all these ships are being commissioned. Perhaps Canada should invest in more cadet units with promotion to ROTP and High School recruitment stressing, career development, tax advantages and pension benefits as well as post career employment opportunities. I applied for the RCN in 1964 under the Venture Plan for Fleet Air Arm and was told by the recruiter that I would be stupid to take that path because the forces were being severely reduced and would soon become integrated.