The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has provided a glimpse of how its new River-class destroyers being built by BAE Systems will look when complete.
The RCN is set to acquire up to 15 of the new warships between now and 2050 in a C$77 billion (£42 billion) programme; they share a common base platform with the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates.
On Tuesday at Canada’s National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa Deputy RCN Commander Rear-Admiral Charlebois and the Director of Naval Major Crown Projects Captain Luc Tremblay unveiled a new detailed scale model of the vessel.
The first River-class warship is already under construction by Irving Shipbuilding, with its delivery anticipated in the mid-2030s.
The 151-metre ships will displace about 7,800 tonnes; they will have a maximum range of around 7,000 nautical miles and be capable of sailing at up to 27 knots.
Crewed by a company of 210 sailors, they will be armed with a Vertical Launch System (VLS)missile system that supports long-range, short-range and close-range missile defense, long-range naval precision fire support and anti-ship engagements.
They will also boast a 127mm main gun system and two 30mm gun mounts. Close examination of the newly revealed model suggests the larger gun has been switched from Leonardo’s 127mm to BAE Systems’ Mk45 weapon.
Underwater warfare capabilities will include forward-mounted sonar, towed low-frequency active and passive sonar, lightweight torpedoes and decoys.
The Chinook-capable flight deck of the warships will accommodate a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter; its enclosed hangar will also be able to store uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
A statement on social media accompanying the new model’s unveiling noted: “This impressive display offers a closer look at what’s ahead for Canada’s fleet and helps build awareness of this important shipbuilding project.
“The River-class destroyer project is part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and is the largest and most complex shipbuilding initiative in Canada.”
- You can read more details on the RCN’s Facebook page and on the Canadian Government website