Thales 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, a member of the low‑frequency towed array sonars CAPTAS family, for the Royal Canadian Navy’s future River‑class destroyers. Implementation of the S2087 sonar will enhance Canada’s maritime security and Arctic defence capacity by strengthening sensor capabilities, aligning with Canada’s broader strategic objectives to strengthen defence capabilities and industrial partnerships. With this acquisition, the Royal Canadian Navy becomes the 20th navy to select the CAPTAS system.

Thales press release

In alignment with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, Thales Canada has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada to supply its Sonar 2087 towed array sonar systems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) future River-class destroyers. Under Canada’s new Build–Partner–Buy framework, the Government of Canada is strengthening cooperation with the U.K. and other trusted European allies to ensure the RCN possesses world‑leading Anti‑Submarine Warfare (ASW) sensing capabilities while delivering meaningful economic benefits to Canada via the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy.

In line with the strategy’s focus on the integration of small and mid-sized businesses into defence supply chains, Thales plans to work closely with Canadian industry partners to support its sonar systems throughout their full lifecycle, ensuring that maintenance and upgrade capabilities remain firmly under Canada’s sovereign control. Building on this foundation, the delivery of the S2087 long‑range, low‑frequency towed array sonar will provide a decisive enhancement to the undersea domain dominance of Canada’s next‑generation combat fleet.

The S2087 is a proven, high‑performance towed array sonar designed to detect and track quiet submarines over long ranges in complex littoral and open‑ocean environments. Its integration into the River-Class destroyers supports the goal of achieving 75% fleet serviceability by contributing to high operational maturity and long-term supportability.

“The S2087 adds a critical layer of capability to the River‑class destroyers, ensuring Canada’s surface combatants are equipped to operate effectively in contested maritime environments,” “As we deliver this advanced sonar system, Thales remains deeply committed to Canada—investing in local expertise, strengthening sovereign capabilities, and working alongside Canadian industry to safeguard the nation’s security for decades to come.”

Currently deployed by the British Royal Navy and selected for Australia’s Hunter‑class frigates, the S2087 strengthens interoperability among Five Eyes and NATO allies.

The S2087 belongs to Thales’ world leading CAPTAS sonar family. Originally developed in close partnership with the British, French, and Italian navies, CAPTAS has been chosen by 20 navies around the world. In 2025, Thales, a world leader in sonar, celebrated the order of its 100th CAPTAS variable immersion towed sonar system.

Lockheed Martin Canada, serving as the Combat Systems Integrator (CSI), leads a team of global partners to deliver an integrated, open‑architecture solution tailored to the operational needs of the Canadian Armed Forces. ​ Thales’ contribution reinforces the program’s focus on proven technologies, interoperability with allied navies, and long‑term supportability.

“The River-class Destroyer Program delivers significant economic benefits to Canada, bringing advancements in Canadian technology and manufacturing all along the Canadian supply chain,” “This selection is a prime example of how our partners contribute to that Canadian ecosystem.”

The River‑class destroyers will form the backbone of the RCN, replacing the Halifax‑class Frigates and Iroquois‑class Destroyers.

Through this contract, Thales will continue to demonstrate its commitment to Canada, via its ongoing support for the Industrial and Technological Benefits policy and overall support to the defence ecosystem across Canada.