Canada-based CAE has secured a subcontract from Lockheed Martin Canada to commence the implementation phase of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) River-class destroyer programme.
CAE is set to spearhead the development of training solutions focused on the destroyer’s communications and integrated bridge and navigation systems.
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This follows the company’s contribution during the design phase.
The scope of work includes conducting analysis for training requirements, creating courseware, and providing advanced training to ensure RCN personnel are mission-ready.
Additionally, CAE is tasked with contributing human factors engineering expertise to influence the design of essential spaces aboard the ship.
CAE Canada defence and security division president and global operations lead France Hébert said: “Our advanced training solutions will equip the Royal Canadian Navy with world-class capabilities tailored to the specific needs of the River-class destroyer.
“As we move into the implementation phase, we’re proud to ensure these critical capabilities are developed and maintained in Canada – strengthening national security and supporting long-term economic growth.”
The River-class destroyer programme, delivered under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), represents Canada’s “largest and most complex” shipbuilding project since World War II.
The initiative will strengthen the RCN with 15 advanced warships designed to tackle a wide array of threats in both open sea and complex coastal settings.
These multi-functional vessels are expected to deliver decisive combat power at sea, support land operations, engage in counter-piracy and counterterrorism activities, and provide humanitarian aid alongside search and rescue services.
They will serve as replacements for the decommissioned Iroquois-class destroyers and the Halifax-class multi-role patrol frigates.
In March 2025, Irving Shipbuilding was granted the implementation contract by the Canadian Government, valued at C$8bn ($5.75bn), to commence construction of these destroyers.
Irving Shipbuilding appointed Lockheed Martin Canada to manage the destroyer’s implementation subcontract.
This announcement follows recent contracts awarded by Irving Shipbuilding to Kongsberg for propulsion systems and Rolls-Royce for a suite of components for these warships.
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