The presentation was led by Rear Admiral Dan Charlebois, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and Captain Luc Joseph Pierre Tremblay, Director of Naval Major Crown Projects. The updated design reflects a series of refinements rather than major structural changes.
Compared with the initial concept revealed in June 2024, the modifications primarily affect the ship’s silhouette and selected combat capabilities. The most visible change is a redesigned main mast integrating the primary radar system.
The mast now incorporates the AN/SPY-7(V)3 radar, operating in the E/F band, within a more streamlined structure. A new radar system with a disc-enclosed antenna has also been added atop the navigation bridge, replacing a previously planned fire-control antenna.
Changes have also been made to the ship’s main armament. The originally planned Leonardo 127 mm/64 LW naval gun has been replaced by the BAE Systems Mk45 Mod 4 naval gun of the same calibre.
The selection reflects the lower weight of the Mk45 Mod 4 compared to the Italian system, as well as alignment with other Type 26-based designs used by the United Kingdom and Australia. Similar changes have been made to close-in armament, with MSI-DS Mk38 Mod 4 systems replacing previously planned Italian alternatives.
Adjustments have also been introduced to the vertical launch system configuration. Two Mk41 ExLS modules originally planned behind the funnel have been removed, leaving only two strike-length modules located forward.
To strengthen point air defence, a 24-cell launcher for the RIM-116 RAM has been added on the hangar roof on the starboard side. The number of Nulka decoy launchers has also been increased significantly, enhancing defensive countermeasures.
Further changes include repositioning the Naval Strike Missile launchers to the starboard side in a perpendicular arrangement. The adjustment is likely intended to avoid interference between missile exhaust gases and the RAM system.
The first three vessels in the class were contracted on March 8, 2025. Construction of the lead ship, to be named Fraser, began at Irving Shipbuilding one month later.
