Construction has begun on Canada’s first River-class destroyer. The first three ships will be named His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Fraser, Saint-Laurent and Mackenzie. This is Canada’s largest naval program (CSC Canadian Surface Combatant) in years and foresees the construction of 15 destroyers. The first vessel, HMCS Fraser, is expected to be delivered in the early 2030s, with the program completed in 2050.
The program will support approximately 10,800 jobs per year during the 25-year construction period and 5,000 jobs per year during the design phase, generating at least $40 billion in cumulative Gross Domestic Product. The River-class destroyers, based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 design, will feature improved sensors, radar and modern weapons. A land-based test facility will be constructed at Hartlen Point in Halifax, N.S., to support the CSC throughout its life cycle.