Irving Shipbuilding Wins Canada’s $8B to Build River-Class Destroyers

The Canadian government has awarded an $8 billion contract to Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI) to build the first three River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), supporting national defense capabilities and local job creation.

The River-class destroyers (RCD) are based on BAE Systems' Type 26 design and will replace four retired Iroquois-class destroyers and 12 Halifax-class frigates. The new ships will be equipped with underwater sensors, radar, and advanced weapons to address maritime threats.

The implementation contract covers six years of construction and includes training, maintenance products, and initial spares. The total cost to deliver the first three ships is estimated at $22.2 billion, excluding taxes.

The RCD will operate in missions with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), NATO, Five Eyes nations, and coalition partners. The first three vessels—HMCS Fraser, Saint-Laurent, and Mackenzie—are named after key Canadian waterways.

The initiative is part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and is expected to contribute $719.3 million annually to Canada’s GDP and sustain 5,250 jobs yearly between 2025 and 2039.

A new land-based testing facility in Halifax will support the RCD program, with construction starting in summer 2025 and completion expected by 2027.