Two New Naval Projects – How Realistic Are They?

By Jeff Gilmour, 7 August 2026

Under the 2010 National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving Shipyard was awarded a contract by the federal government to build 15 River-class destroyers to replace the RCN’s ageing frigates. They will be equipped with advanced radar systems and missile capabilities in one of the country’s most significant military manufacturing programs. The keel-laying ceremony for the first ship of its class, HMCS Fraser, happened on 12 June 2026.^[1]

The first ship is scheduled to be launched in the 2030s with nine expected to be in service by 2040 and the entire fleet sometime by 2050.^[3] Based on the contract price for the first three ships, is it not reasonable to assume that the cost of this project could escalate to $110B before all 15 ships are built?

In early July 2026 the federal government announced that it would begin discussions to purchase 12 submarines from Thyssen-Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The initial acquisition and design phase is estimated around $24B. But adding maintenance, lifecycle support and specialized infrastructure means that the total program cost is projected to exceed $70B to $100B. The formal contracting is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, with the first four boats to be delivered at the beginning of 2034.

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Current Issue: Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)

Our first article explores China’s rise as a shipbuilding powerhouse. The second marks the 35^th anniversary of the Gulf War by discussing Canada’s role. The third argues that RCN veterans are strategic assets who should be treated and trained accordingly. The final essay reviews defence capabilities now being ordered or built, especially for the Arctic, despite the lack of a new defence policy.

We also include our usual Making Waves commentaries. Prompted by Broadsides discussion, one asks whether geography defines Canada’s defence options beside the United States. Others examine naval art, Arctic naval capabilities, and how the RCN can become more visible to Canadians.

Our regular columns also return: “A View from the West” considers whether China can or intends to invade Taiwan in 2027; “Dollars and Sense” examines the Defence Industrial Strategy; and “Warship Developments” covers recent naval updates.

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