Fleet and units
The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) fleet is made up of numerous classes of ships, submarines and other support vessels, as well as specialized units that allow Canada to maintain one of the most active blue-water navies in the world.
Current Fleet
Halifax Class
FRIGATE
A sub hunting specialist. Fast, stealthy and maneuverable, they are the RCN’s current global ambassadors and primary war fighter.
Harry DeWolf Class
PATROL
Asserting Canadian sovereignty in Arctic and coastal Canadian waters, as well as support for international operations.
Kingston Class
COASTAL DEFENCE
Multi-role minor war vessels primarily tasked with coastal surveillance and patrol duties.
Victoria Class
SUBMARINE
A conventional diesel-electric submarine that boasts stealth, manoeuverability, and extremely quiet electric propulsion systems.
Future Fleet
River Class
DESTROYER
Fast, maneuverable, long-endurance warships capable of offensive operations and escorting ships. The River class will replace the Halifax and Iroquois classes once fully commissioned.
Protecteur Class
Replenishment
Provides fuel and supplies, and limited sealift capabilities, as well as support operations ashore.
Auxiliary & Training
Orca Class
Patrol Craft Training VesselsTraining the next generation of warfare officers and participating in community events. Orcas operate year-round in British Columbia coastal waters and frequently visit smaller ports on the Mainland and around Vancouver Island.
Naval Large Tugs
Naval Large Tugs
The Naval large tug project is set to replace the in service Glen-class vessels with four more powerful tug boats. The vessels are named after tugs that that are linked to RCN maritime heritage.
HMCS Oriole
Tall Ship
Built in 1921 and commissioned in 1954, HMCS Oriole is the oldest ship in the RCN fleet. The wooden tall ship serves as a training and community outreach platform, and is based in His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Halifax in Nova Scotia.
Specialized Units
Specialized units are a key component of the RCN maritime security framework, providing enhanced expertise in maritime interdiction operations, boarding operations and force protection.
The RCN relies on various specialized units to complement crews and ships with greater protection and capabilities, both in Canada and around the world.
Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit
An amalgamation of the previously established Naval Units of varying specialty capabilities, the Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANC) is the latest and most capable unit of its kind to date. Occupying the space between conventional and advanced warfare, ANC designs and delivers tactically capable teams able to execute a range of operations around the world.
Clearance Divers
Clearance Divers are highly trained diving and explosive ordnance disposal specialists supporting RCN missions. Clearance divers are deployable worldwide with routine participation in exercises and operations throughout Canada, including the high Arctic, as well as the Indo Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.
Fleet Maintenance Facilities
Fleet Maintenance Facilities provide a full range of naval engineering maintenance and repair capabilities to the RCN. Our team of civilian and military personnel maintains our warships, submarines, auxiliary vessels and other units.