Modest Tree Awarded $32M Contract by Fleetway Inc. for River-Class Destroyer Training
Press Release
Modest Tree, a Nova Scotia–founded defence technology company, has been awarded a $32-million subcontract by Fleetway Inc. to deliver immersive, design-derived training systems supporting the Royal Canadian Navy’s transition from Halifax-class frigates to its future River-class Destroyers.
Before the first River-class Destroyer enters service, Royal Canadian Navy sailors will already be training aboard it.
Built directly from validated River-class Destroyer digital ship design data and original equipment manufacturer documentation, the platform will convert complex engineering models into high-fidelity, interactive operational environments. Sailors will train on ship systems well before commissioning, accelerating readiness, reducing introduction-to-service risk, and strengthening Canada’s sovereign naval capability.
The subcontract awarded to Modest Tree reinforces Canada’s defence industrial base under the National Shipbuilding Strategy and anchors advanced digital engineering and software expertise in Atlantic Canada.
“As Canada builds its future fleet, we are building the training advantage alongside it,” said Emily Smits, CEO of Modest Tree. “We are transforming engineering design into operational readiness while creating high-value technology jobs here in Nova Scotia.”
“In complex warships, preparation is decisive,” said John Newton (Rear-Admiral retired), Managing Director, Fleetway Inc. “By generating training directly from the ship’s digital design, we are compressing the learning curve and forging crews ready to operate Canada’s most advanced surface combatants from day one.”
The training system will integrate validated design data and technical documentation across the destroyer enterprise. Fleetway personnel will be trained to manage lifecycle courseware updates, ensuring configuration-accurate training evolves in step with the ship’s build and service life.