Halifax-based Modest Tree has been awarded a $32 million subcontract by Fleetway Inc. to develop training systems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s future River-class destroyers.

Modest Tree will deliver immersive training platforms built from validated digital ship design data and original equipment manufacturer documentation provided by Fleetway, which offers engineering and logistics support to Canada's shipbuilding program. The systems are intended to allow sailors to train on ship systems before the first River-class vessel enters service.

According to a statement releasedf by the companies Tuesday, the training platform will convert engineering models into interactive operational environments. The goal is to prepare crews for the transition from the current Halifax-class frigates to the new destroyers and to reduce risks associated with introducing the ships into service.

“As Canada builds its future fleet, we are building the training advantage alongside it,” said Modest Tree CEO Emily Smits in a statement. “We are transforming engineering design into operational readiness while creating high-value technology jobs here in Nova Scotia.”

The River-class destroyers are being built under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. Fleetway, which serves as Canada’s Design Agent for major combatants, is responsible for engineering authority and in-service support for the country’s frontline warships.

Modest Tree’s system will integrate validated design data and technical documentation across the destroyer program. Fleetway personnel will also be trained to manage lifecycle updates to the courseware so that training materials remain aligned with the ships’ configuration throughout construction and service.

John Newton, a retired rear-admiral and managing director of Fleetway, said generating training directly from digital ship design data is intended to shorten the learning curve for crews who will operate the new vessels.

Founded in 2011, Modest Tree develops 3D training and digital engineering systems for defence and industrial clients. Fleetway has supported Canada’s combat fleet for four decades, providing engineering services, system integration and in-service support.

The contract comes about as the Canadian government has announced strong increases in defence spending, and a range of startups are targeting the defence complex. Earlier this week, two New Brunswick startups – Seafarer AI and Vartis Space – were accepted into the inaugural cohort of Vimy Forge, a new defence-focused accelerator that has received $1 million in federal funding.