Thales and Lockheed Martin Canada Advance Canada’s Defence Capabilities with S2087 Sonar for River-class Destroyers
Press Release
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.
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,” said Ian Krepps, CEO, Thales Canada. “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,” said Stephen Isaacs, General Manager for Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary & Missions Systems. “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. To learn more about our commitments to Canada, please visit our website at https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/canada/commitments.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies. Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.
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About Thales in Canada
Thales Canada has more than 50 years of experience with the talent of more than 1,500 skilled people from coast-to-coast. A Canadian leader in research and technology, Thales Canada offers leading capabilities in defence, civil aviation, digital identity and security -- meeting the most complex needs and requirements of its customers across all operating environments.
Wasn't ultra marine originally supposed to supply both sonar systems to the River class? Bow/ Towed array? Just asking. Is the, Thales system better?