First Canadian River-class destroyer to have its keel laid in June
The RCN’s River-class destroyer is based on the BAE Systems Type 26 frigate. (Image: BAE Systems)
Currently at the block fabrication and construction stage, the HMCS Fraser’s keel-laying ceremony is scheduled to take place next month as a step towards increasing the Royal Canadian Navy’s anti-submarine and air defence capabilities.
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Irving Shipbuilding Inc (ISI) have been advancing with the construction of the first River-class destroyer (RCD), with the HMCS Fraser planned to have its keel laid next month.
An official spokesperson for the company told Shephard that, since full-rate construction of the initiative began in April last year, “steady progress is being made on block fabrication and construction”.
“This phase of the programme will continue up to and through the vessel’s keel-laying ceremony in June,” the Irving official explained to Shephard.
The event is a major milestone in a vessel’s construction, representing
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
-
![How Canada plans to use the River-class programme to revitalise its defence industry]()
How Canada plans to use the River-class programme to revitalise its defence industry
The Canadian DND estimates that the construction of destroyers will annually inject C$720 million (US$515 million) into the country’s GDP.
