The S2087 belongs to Thales’ world-leading CAPTAS sonar family.
The Canadian Navy’s some of the new destroyers are set to get new Sonar 2087 towed array sonar systems. Thales Canada will supply these systems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) future River-class destroyers.
Reports have revealed that 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.
Critical layer of capability
“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, according to a press release.
The River‑class destroyers will form the backbone of the RCN, replacing the Halifax‑class frigates and Iroquois‑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 defense capacity by strengthening sensor capabilities, aligning with Canada’s broader strategic objectives to strengthen defence capabilities and industrial partnerships, as per the release.
With this acquisition, the Royal Canadian Navy becomes the 20th navy to select the CAPTAS system.
The timing of the announcement reflects Canada’s broader effort to strengthen national security and expand domestic defence capabilities. In recent months, the Canadian government has increased investments in defence modernization, industrial development, and advanced technologies as part of a wider strategy to enhance sovereignty and meet evolving security challenges. Canada has also emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships with industry while creating economic opportunities and skilled jobs within the country.
The S2087 system is widely recognized for its effectiveness in submarine detection and has been adopted by several allied naval forces. By incorporating this proven technology into the River-class fleet, Canada aims to improve its ability to monitor maritime activity, protect strategic interests, and contribute to collective defence operations with international partners.
The integration of advanced sonar capabilities will help ensure that Canada’s future fleet is equipped to address evolving maritime security challenges.
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Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.