MDA Space will delivery and integrate sensor systems for the first three ships under RCD programme. Credit: T. Schneider/Shutterstock.

Canadian space technology company MDA Space has secured C$60m ($43m) contracts for the next phase of work on the River-class destroyer (RCD) programme.

The new contract will focus on delivering and integrating sensor systems for the first three vessels.

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The sensor systems are being developed across various Canadian locations, including Richmond in British Columbia, Halifax in Nova Scotia, and Brampton in Ontario.

They are designed to improve the ships’ situational awareness and provide protection against threats guided by lasers and optics.

MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley said: “As a headquartered Canadian company and a long-term trusted mission partner to Canada’s Department of National Defence, MDA Space is proud to work with Canada’s world-leading defence industrial base to deliver next generation naval sensors for the River-class Destroyer programme.

“We value our role in helping to deliver this important fleet and capability to the Royal Canadian Navy and look forward to seeing these ships launched and operationalised in the years ahead.”

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The new River-class destroyers will be built by Irving Shipbuilding at their Halifax Shipyard as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Lockheed Martin Canada is heading a team that includes MDA Space for the design and integration of the combat management system.

The RCD Project, which is previously known as the Canadian surface combatant project, aims to provide the Royal Canadian Navy with 15 advanced warships. It is the largest initiative since World War II in Canada.

The project will replace both the retired Iroquois-class destroyers and Halifax-class patrol frigates.

In May 2025, the Royal Canadian Navy selected Rolls-Royce for a suite of components for the first batch of River-class destroyers (RCD).

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