Canada Navy Surface Combatant (CSC) Program

[oldcpu]

Some speculation here ...

Canada’s formal participation in the EU's Security Action For Europe (SAFE) program, effective as of February 14, 2026, has opened a new opportunity for Canadian defense industry involvement. Under the SAFE program, EU-backed low-interest loans are available to support the purchase and integration of European-origin military equipment.

For the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) River-Class (Canadian Surface Combatant) procurement, this agreement could provide tangible benefits. The program’s provisional application, triggered by the signing on February 14, opens a direct pathway for Canadian firms to potentially access financing for their work on European-sourced systems already planned for these vessels. They may also be eligible to provide parts for selective European SAFE procurement programs.

There are a couple European-origin systems, slated for the River-Class Destroyer, that could potentially benefit from SAFE financing. These are Leonardo’s 127mm naval gun, and 30mm Lionfish, all of which are European-made. If Leonardo products are chosen for the River-Class, Canadian industry could qualify for low-interest financing to assist with the integration, maintenance, and support of these systems. Canada could also potentially join larger procurements of these weapons from other participating SAFE countries

The 80% Canadian content implementation within the SAFE framework could also open up opportunities for Canadian firms to participate in other European defense projects, further extending the potential benefits.

If a future River Class Destroyer should decide to add MASS ECM (which I concede is a pit of a pet desire of mine), that too may potentially benefit from SAFE.

So this could be another aspect in our discussion of a Leonardo 127mm vs a BAE 5-inch, where the cost of integrating the Leonardo 127mm (and subsequent maintenance parts synergy and munitions procurement) could ultimately have further benefit from SAFE.

 

[Ted Barnes]

Some speculation here ...

Canada’s formal participation in the EU's Security Action For Europe (SAFE) program, effective as of February 14, 2026, has opened a new opportunity for Canadian defense industry involvement. Under the SAFE program, EU-backed low-interest loans are available to support the purchase and integration of European-origin military equipment.

For the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) River-Class (Canadian Surface Combatant) procurement, this agreement could provide tangible benefits. The program’s provisional application, triggered by the signing on February 14, opens a direct pathway for Canadian firms to potentially access financing for their work on European-sourced systems already planned for these vessels. They may also be eligible to provide parts for selective European SAFE procurement programs.

There are a couple European-origin systems, slated for the River-Class Destroyer, that could potentially benefit from SAFE financing. These are Leonardo’s 127mm naval gun, and 30mm Lionfish, all of which are European-made. If Leonardo products are chosen for the River-Class, Canadian industry could qualify for low-interest financing to assist with the integration, maintenance, and support of these systems. Canada could also potentially join larger procurements of these weapons from other participating SAFE countries

The 80% Canadian content implementation within the SAFE framework could also open up opportunities for Canadian firms to participate in other European defense projects, further extending the potential benefits.

If a future River Class Destroyer should decide to add MASS ECM (which I concede is a pit of a pet desire of mine), that too may potentially benefit from SAFE.

So this could be another aspect in our discussion of a Leonardo 127mm vs a BAE 5-inch, where the cost of integrating the Leonardo 127mm (and subsequent maintenance parts synergy and munitions procurement) could ultimately have further benefit from SAFE.

No, other than the main gun nothing should be changing.

 

[Ted Barnes]

Looks like one only one RAM launcher (21 missiles) vice the two.

 

[oldcpu]

No, other than the main gun nothing should be changing.

I speculate there will be differences between different River class batches and the later batches could have major differences compared to the initial batch.

 

[Ted Barnes]

A new model for the River Class. Note the changes.

• Vulcano and Lionfish are out, replaced by the Mk.45 gun and Mk.38 respectively
• The Leonardo suite (including NA-30S Mk.2) appears to be fully removed
• AN/SLQ-32(V)6 EW suite is now included
• RAM placement is finally confirmed – but only one launcher, not two
• ExLS is gone, confirming it’s no longer part of the design
• Still sitting at 24 VLS cells
• NSM placement has changed again
• New unidentified launcher system showing up on the model (still unclear what it is)

Overall, this model confirms a lot of what’s been expected over the past year—simplification, more standard NATO systems, and fewer experimental additions.


Still some mysteries, but we’re likely getting closer to the final configuration as the program moves toward CDR.

Picture and commentary courtesy of NOAH.

 

[oldcpu]

A new model for the River Class. Note the changes.

• Vulcano and Lionfish are out, replaced by the Mk.45 gun and Mk.38 respectively
• The Leonardo suite (including NA-30S Mk.2) appears to be fully removed
• AN/SLQ-32(V)6 EW suite is now included
• RAM placement is finally confirmed – but only one launcher, not two
• ExLS is gone, confirming it’s no longer part of the design
• Still sitting at 24 VLS cells
• NSM placement has changed again
• New unidentified launcher system showing up on the model (still unclear what it is)

Overall, this model confirms a lot of what’s been expected over the past year—simplification, more standard NATO systems, and fewer experimental additions.

The new model is definitely interesing, and as noted suggests there are indeed changes.

I note a model is just that - a model. Its degree of accuracy in depiction needs to be taken with some grains of salt. I believe more confirmation is appropriate to be certain, else we are still in the speculation stage.

The DND page for the River Class is very generic here: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/surface/river-class-destroyer.html

It simply states a 127mm (which could be the Mk45 gun) and it states a 30mm.

Nominally the Mk.38 is NOT a 30mm.

However ....

I read there is a new version of the Mk.38 weapons system (Mk38 Mod-4) which has a 30mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II gun. So what NOAH suggests is credible, but confirmation is best..

For me, it also begs the question, ... what fire control would replace the NA-30S Mk2? Since we are speculating, possibly the AN/SPQ-9B associated with the Mk34 gun weapon system? Given the River Class plan to go with the AN/SPY-7 Aegis (instead of AN/SPY-6 with Aegis) I wonder if there will be development costs here (given AN/SPY-7 on River Class).

Also, i believe the 30mm Lionfish was capable of benefiting by the NA-30S Mk2 firecontrol radar. If instead, the Mk38 Mod4 30mm is chosen (instead of Lionfish), I speculate that the Mk38 Mod-4 30mm (which is a new Mk38 implementation) can benefit from the AN/SPQ-9B if chosen.

So that begs the question, if that model is accurate (and there is speculation there at present), is an AN/SPQ-9B to be used in place of a NA-30S Mk2 firecontrol radar?

Looking at the model, I am not comfortable on speculating further there.
.

 

[Ted Barnes]

The new model is definitely interesing, and as noted suggests there are indeed changes.

I note a model is just that - a model. Its degree of accuracy in depiction needs to be taken with some grains of salt. I believe more confirmation is appropriate to be certain, else we are still in the speculation stage.

The DND page for the River Class is very generic here: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/surface/river-class-destroyer.html

It simply states a 127mm (which could be the Mk45 gun) and it states a 30mm.

Nominally the Mk.38 is NOT a 30mm.

However ....

I read there is a new version of the Mk.38 weapons system (Mk38 Mod-4) which has a 30mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II gun. So what NOAH suggests is credible, but confirmation is best..

For me, it also begs the question, ... what fire control would replace the NA-30S Mk2? Since we are speculating, possibly the AN/SPQ-9B associated with the Mk34 gun weapon system? Given the River Class plan to go with the AN/SPY-7 Aegis (instead of AN/SPY-6 with Aegis) I wonder if there will be development costs here (given AN/SPY-7 on River Class).

Also, i believe the 30mm Lionfish was capable of benefiting by the NA-30S Mk2 firecontrol radar. If instead, the Mk38 Mod4 30mm is chosen (instead of Lionfish), I speculate that the Mk38 Mod-4 30mm (which is a new Mk38 implementation) can benefit from the AN/SPQ-9B if chosen.

So that begs the question, if that model is accurate (and there is speculation there at present), is an AN/SPQ-9B to be used in place of a NA-30S Mk2 firecontrol radar?

Looking at the model, I am not comfortable on speculating further there.
.

That's right I'm sure the model is wrong, especially the guns and the single RAM......

 

[DAVEBLOGGINS]

That's right I'm sure the model is wrong, especially the guns and the single RAM......

Ted so far you seem to be wrong on just about everything concerning this RCD Model. How can we even tell how "recent" this Model is? It could possibly be an older one that may have been "altered by AI for "effect". I have never seen this Model before. Are you just speculating here? Until we have some confirmation here, I am in "oldcpu's" corner!

 

[Ted Barnes]

Ted so far you seem to be wrong on just about everything concerning this RCD Model. How can we even tell how "recent" this Model is? It could possibly be an older one that may have been "altered by AI for "effect". I have never seen this Model before. Are you just speculating here? Until we have some confirmation here, I am in "oldcpu's" corner!

You are delusional if you think this AI. This updated model was unveiled several days ago in Calgary at the LM/DND booth at DEFSEC West 2026 (Mar 24–26).

 

[Ted Barnes]

AI Indeed.

"Yesterday, the Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Rear-Admiral Charlebois, and the Director of Naval Major Crown Projects – Combatant, Capt(N) Tremblay, unveiled a detailed scale model of the River-class destroyer. This impressive display offers a closer look at what’s ahead for Canada’s fleet and helps build awareness around this important shipbuilding project. The first River class is currently under construction and expected to be delivered in the mid-2030s."

 

[Ted Barnes]

Taken from Navy lookout Page and a great analysis. of the changes. A lot of these changes were decided on several years ago.

The latest model of the future River-class Destroyer (RCD), based on the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigate design, was displayed to the public by the Royal Canadian Navy yesterday. Here we look briefly at the discernible changes since the last version in 2024.

This is not an exhaustive analysis, simply what can be observed from the model. The design has not been radically changed, but there have been significant changes to the equipment fit. External changes merely reflect much more complex cost and technical trade-offs being made alongside detailed internal design work.

The medium-calibre gun has been changed from Leonardo’s 127 mm gun (capable of firing Vulcano ammunition) and is replaced by the BAE Systems Inc. 5-inch (127 mm) Mk 45 gun. The ubiquitous Mk 45 equips the Type 26 and Hunter-class, as well as benefiting from broad commonality across NATO. The integration work between this weapon and the platform has already been completed and an example is already in place on board HMS Glasgow, including the automated munitions handling system. The Mk 45 is lighter than the Italian gun, saving topweight, so this change makes a lot of sense from a cost, commonality and technical perspective.

The missile silo behind the funnel has been deleted. It was decided not to have the ExLS system for Sea Ceptor missiles some time ago, but there was speculation that the silo could have been retained for other missiles. The latest iteration shows the ship has just 24 Mk41 cells in (3 x 8-cell silos), although there is space for at least one more 8-cell silo if the RCN decides at a later date to add more firepower. The RCD is primarily an anti-submarine vessel with less emphasis on air defence than the Australian-Hunter class.

The position of the single RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile launcher has been determined – on the port side aft on a plinth with a firing arc. Unlike the Type 26 with its separate communications mast, the River-class have a single integrated mast, making for clearer weapon arcs. The Naval Strike Missile launchers, which were previously arranged symmetrically behind the funnel, firing forward, have been moved to the starboard side and oriented athwartships, possibly to keep them clear of the RAM efflux.

The Leonardo Lionfish 30mm mounts have been replaced by the British-made MSI-DS Mk 38 Mod 4 30mm cannon, also selected by the US Navy. The Nulka EW decoy launchers just ahead of the funnel amidships are shown prominently, probably six sets of twin launchers. The mainmast appears largely unchanged, but the fire control radar for the main gun at the foot of the mast has been replaced with what appears to be a rotating radar in a circular enclosure.

Running behind the UK Type 26 and Australian Hunter projects, the programme will benefit from some of the experience gained during their design and construction. This is especially true for the initial phases, as the hull and propulsion systems are the areas with the least modifications between the 3 variants. If there are concerns about the RCD programme, they stem from the relative weakness of the Canadian warship-building industry and the ship’s price tag within a very constrained defence budget.

First steel was cut for the lead ship, HMCS Fraser, in April 2025 at Irving Shipbuilding, marking the start of full-rate production. She is due for delivery in the early 2030s. The RCD is a major undertaking, expected to comprise up to 15 ships, with the last in service by 2050.