HALIFAX — Irving Shipbuilding officially began the construction of the first of Canada’s 15 new River-class destroyers in Halifax today.

Hundreds of workers were on hand for the ceremonial laying of the keel — the foundational structure for the future HMCS Fraser.

The centuries-old tradition dates back to the ancient Romans and included placing a coin in the ship’s hull for good luck.

Irving is building up to 15 new destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy, with HMCS Fraser set for delivery in the early 2030s.

Vice-admiral Angus Topshee, the navy’s commander, says the new destroyers will be a generational improvement.

They will have advanced radar, be able to fire missiles to the edge of space and defend against enemy submarines.

“We’ve already retired the four destroyers that this is part of the replacement for,” Topshee told reporters.

“The 12 Halifax-class frigates are doing great work but they were designed to last 30 years and it’s been more than that. So the faster we can get warships back out on the waters, the modern ships Canada needs, the better off we’re going to be.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2026.

Devin Stevens, The Canadian Press