Canadian River Class Destroyer Megathread

[Kirkhill]

The River Class is planned to be built in batches. I wonder, if the quantity 15 might be at some point reduced to a smaller number, with a different capability warship procured instead for the remaining hulls? I am thinking of possibly a similar displacement warship that could be a drone carrier instead. This recent (29-June-2026) BBC article came to mind:

Navy to build drone-equipped warships instead of replacing ageing destroyers

and some extracts from that article:



I am most curious to see what the press has in coming weeks for the potential UK planned design (assuming the article is accurate). Clearly, it will be something for a topic OTHER than this thread. I comment only on such in this thread, as the River Class Type-26 is a long duration building program, and there has always been speculation its build could be shortened .. either for budget, or for future 'modification'.

The Common Combat/Command Vessel might already be on the slips.

Babcock Reveals Common Command Vessel Type 31 Concept

Royal Navy Type 31 frigate builder Babcock has unveiled its Common Command Vessel concept to team crewed warships with autonomous assets.

navyleaders.com

The CCV label is a Babcock concept based on their Type 31s.

The first 31s (5 of them) are well advanced. The 6 CCVs announced for the early 30s could be a continuance order.

The Brits have been moving quickly on the Atlantic Bastion plan, buying small fleets of USVs to play with and building up remote control centres on shore.

They are expected to announce a supplier of the commercial Atlantic Net system of UUV and USV sensors based on exploiting and defending the existing underwater cable system.

The other elements of the plan are based on Type 91 missile barges (arguably the Dutch MSS based on the 53m Damen OSV), the Type 92 ASW sloop (the XV Patrick Blackett - a 7 MUSD 42m Damen OSV) and the Type 93 Chariot (the CETUS XLUUV built in Devon).

The RN also put out a call for rapid supply of 15 Sea Giraffes and a separate call for someone to rapidly supply a fleet of AAW pickets (Type 94s) this year.

These OSV based systems might be considered as only being interim solutions to immediately respond to the threat.

 

[Kirkhill]

UK set to decide Atlantic Net mission partner

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is just weeks away from choosing a commercial mission partner that will provide a geographically-focused undersea intelligence,...

www.janes.com

Atlantic Bastion Meets the Grey Fleet

The Royal Navy is building a barrier against submarines. But the next threat may arrive as a merchant ship.

www.futurenavy.com

 

[Kirkhill]

There is some concern about a gamble being taken.

It is less of a gamble if the commitment to make this course work is made.

If there is no other option it has to be made to work.

 

[DBNSG]

There is some concern about a gamble being taken.

It is less of a gamble if the commitment to make this course work is made.

If there is no other option it has to be made to work.

I think your third sentence was imposed by the UK treasury following a "what me worry ? " Labour government making up for 14 years out of Government.

 

[Kirkhill]

I think your third sentence was imposed by the UK treasury following a "what me worry ? " Labour government making up for 14 years out of Government.

Possibly. Perhaps even probably. But if that is the only course of action remaining then somebody better make it work.

...

I am reminded that the original Dreadnought class was seen as a gamble as well.