Canada is presently confronting a series of defense dilemmas, from its aging submarine fleet to naval staffing and operational challenges, amidst heightened global tensions and changing warfare landscapes.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is at a crossroads, with its fleet beset by obstacles that imperil its operational readiness.

Simultaneously, debates swirl around the potential paths forward for Canada’s underwater capabilities, with the Trudeau government facing criticism for what some perceive as a sluggish procurement process.

In Washington, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, disclosed ongoing discussions for international “collaboration” on future submarines, indicating an openness to partnering with allies to enhance underwater surveillance capabilities.

“We all have a shared mission, those of us who are close and aligned, and finding the best way for us collectively to achieve that mission is really in our interest,” Blair remarked, emphasizing the necessity for interoperability and connection with allies.

Among the possibilities is the potential inclusion of Canada in the German-Norwegian Thyssenkrupp-made 212CD class submarine package.

The Victoria-class submarines, Canada’s current fleet, with a design dating back to the late 1980s, have had a tumultuous service history. Estimates suggest a remaining service life of 15-20 years, and given the lengthy timelines for submarine production, a timely decision on their replacement is deemed essential.

Blair expressed regret for using the term “explore” in the recent Defence Policy Update, conceding that it did not convey the urgency and determination of the government to proceed with fleet renewal.

At the same time, Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, head of the RCN, raised alarms about the “critical state” of the Navy, highlighting shipbuilding delays and persistent recruiting shortfalls.

The RCN’s ability to meet its obligations is threatened, with the service only able to deploy one Harry DeWolfe arctic and offshore patrol vessel at a time despite having more vessels available.

The shortage of qualified technicians has forced the prioritization of the Halifax class over the Kingston class vessels, with serious implications for naval operations. Topshee called for “key decisions that must be made in the next two years” to address these challenges.

Amidst this backdrop, the question of whether Canada should pursue nuclear-powered submarines has also emerged.

Some advocates argue that nuclear submarines offer significant operational advantages, with the capacity to remain submerged for extended periods, and are better suited to Canada’s expansive and increasingly contested maritime domains.

However, critics caution against the potentially astronomical costs, sovereignty concerns, and the risk of contributing to nuclear proliferation.

Without being able to secure actual funding for the submarines in the DPU, the goal was to signal to industry and international partners that Canada is in the information gathering stage, Blair said. He also emphasized that whenever the submarines are bought, it will help push Canada over the NATO target of 2 percent GDP spending on defense. Last month, Canada pledged to increase defense spending by $5.9 over the next five years, a sum that still falls short of the alliance goal.

Relevant articles:
– Canada weighing international ‘collaboration’ on future subs, Breaking Defense
– ‘Critical state’: Top Royal Canadian Navy officer sounds alarm on fleet’s readiness, Breaking Defense
– Should Canada have nuclear submarines?, Legion Magazine
– Global Affairs Canada: Departmental Results Report 2022-23, Affaires mondiales Canada