Thales to Supply S2087 Sonar for Canada’s River-Class Destroyers
Thales Canada has been contracted by Lockheed Martin Canada to provide the S2087 low-frequency towed array sonar (CAPTAS-4) for the Royal Canadian Navy’s future River-class destroyers. This system enhances Arctic and maritime defense against quiet submarines, aligning with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. Canada becomes the 20th navy to adopt CAPTAS, joining the UK and Australia. The River-class will replace Halifax-class frigates and Iroquois-class destroyers, strengthening interoperability among Five Eyes and NATO allies.
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Canada selects Thales S2087 sonar for River-class destroyers
Thales Canada has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada to supply the S2087 towed array sonar for the Royal Canadian Navy's future River-class destroyers. The S2087, a low-frequency variable-depth system from Thales' CAPTAS family, is designed to detect quiet submarines at long range in both littoral and open-ocean conditions. This selection makes Canada the twentieth navy to choose a CAPTAS variant. The contract falls under Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and Build-Partner-Buy framework, with Thales planning to work with Canadian industry for lifecycle support and a target of 75 percent fleet serviceability. The River-class is the Canadian variant of BAE Systems' Type 26 Global Combat Ship, also used by the Royal Navy and Australia's Hunter-class, enabling common sonar and data-sharing among Five Eyes and NATO partners. The River-class will replace the Halifax-class frigates and retired Iroquois-class destroyers as the mainstay of Canada's surface fleet.
UK Defence JournalCanada's River-class destroyers to get British-proven S2087 submarine-hunting sonar
The Royal Canadian Navy will equip its future River-class destroyers with the Thales S2087 towed array sonar, the same submarine-hunting system used by the British Royal Navy. Thales Canada secured the contract from Lockheed Martin Canada, making Canada the 20th navy to select a CAPTAS family sonar system. The S2087 is a low-frequency towed array sonar that extends detection range in deep ocean and littoral environments. The procurement is driven by increased submarine threats from Russia and China, particularly in the Arctic Ocean. The system has a proven track record with allied navies, including Australia's Hunter-class frigate program, and benefits from a multinational engineering pedigree developed by British, French, and Italian navies. Thales Canada CEO Ian Krepps emphasized the system's role in ensuring Canada's surface combatants can operate effectively in contested maritime environments.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsCanada’s new warships get British-proven sub-hunting sonar
The Royal Canadian Navy will equip its future River-class destroyers with the Thales S2087 towed array sonar, the same submarine-hunting system used by the British Royal Navy. Thales Canada secured the contract from Lockheed Martin Canada, making Canada the 20th navy to select a CAPTAS family sonar. The system is proven in allied fleets, including Australia's Hunter-class frigates. The procurement is driven by heightened submarine threats from Russia and China, particularly in the Arctic Ocean. The S2087 uses low-frequency sound for extended detection range in deep and littoral waters. Thales Canada CEO Ian Krepps emphasized the system's role in contested maritime environments and Canada's sovereign capabilities. The CAPTAS family was developed collaboratively by British, French, and Italian navies, and Thales celebrated its 100th CAPTAS system order in 2025.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsThales to supply S2087 / CAPTAS-4 Sonar for Canada’s River-class Destroyers
Thales Canada has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada to supply the S2087 low-frequency towed array sonar, part of the CAPTAS family, for the Royal Canadian Navy's future River-class destroyers. The sonar will enhance Canada's maritime security and Arctic defense capabilities, aligning with Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and the Build-Partner-Buy framework. The S2087 is designed to detect and track quiet submarines over long ranges in complex environments. The Royal Canadian Navy becomes the 20th navy to select the CAPTAS system. Thales will work with Canadian industry partners to ensure sovereign control over maintenance and upgrades. The River-class destroyers will replace the Halifax-class frigates and Iroquois-class destroyers, forming the backbone of the RCN.
Naval NewsThales to supply S2087 / CAPTAS-4 Sonar for Canada’s River-class Destroyers
Thales Canada has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada to supply the S2087 low-frequency towed array sonar, part of the CAPTAS family, for the Royal Canadian Navy's future River-class destroyers. The sonar will enhance Canada's maritime security and Arctic defense capabilities, aligning with Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and the Build-Partner-Buy framework. The S2087 is designed to detect and track quiet submarines over long ranges in complex environments. The Royal Canadian Navy becomes the 20th navy to select the CAPTAS system. Thales will work with Canadian industry partners to ensure sovereign control over maintenance and upgrades. The River-class destroyers will replace the Halifax-class frigates and Iroquois-class destroyers, forming the backbone of the RCN. The system is already deployed by the British Royal Navy and selected for Australia's Hunter-class frigates, strengthening interoperability among Five Eyes and NATO allies.
Naval NewsThales to supply S2087 / CAPTAS-4 Sonar for Canada’s River-class Destroyers
Thales Canada has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada to supply the S2087 low-frequency towed array sonar, part of the CAPTAS family, for the Royal Canadian Navy's future River-class destroyers. The system will enhance Canada's maritime security and Arctic defense capabilities, aligning with Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and Build-Partner-Buy framework. The S2087 is designed to detect and track quiet submarines over long ranges in complex environments. The Royal Canadian Navy becomes the 20th navy to select the CAPTAS system. Thales will work with Canadian industry partners to ensure sovereign control over maintenance and upgrades. The River-class destroyers will replace the Halifax-class frigates and Iroquois-class destroyers, forming the backbone of the RCN. The system is already deployed by the British Royal Navy and selected for Australia's Hunter-class frigates, strengthening interoperability among Five Eyes and NATO allies.
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