Canada’s proposed submarines are absolutely necessary if Canada is to effectively defend its maritime environment. In terms of surveillance of Canada’s ocean approaches and the protection of its own sovereignty, a submarine fleet is critical.
Canada requires bigger, quieter boats that can perform stealth missions, and are capable of firing guided missiles. Regardless of which company wins the contract for Canada’s fleet of 12 submarines, they are needed expeditiously.
As nuclear submarines are deemed to be too expensive (although Australia has seen fit to do so) for the entire fleet’s acquisition, an AIP or Air Independent Propulsion System can attain ranges of 2,600 nautical miles assisted by lithium iron batteries.
What is essential is that these submarines be capable of launching, at a minimum, cruise missiles, with the ability to consider launching ballistic missiles. Canada’s threat environment is now wholly different than that which faced the committee responsible for determining the sub type and capability in 2022.
Serious consideration is being given to France’s SMX Ocean-class SSK, displacing 5,300 tons, a length of 333.3 ft a beam of 29 feet and a height of 50.8 feet. With a range of 18,000 nautical miles, and is a cruise missile capable platform.
Still under consideration are SSN’s or nuclear submarines for a small number of submarines (4). The British Astute Class is one under consideration, as is the French Barracude-class SSN.
The French Barracuda-class may actually be a better choice for Canada as it has a 50 MW nuclear reactor with a 10 year lifespan before refuelling, an unlimited range, and submerged speeds of 25 knots. It has an endurance of 70-90 days, has a smaller 60 man crew, four torpedo tubes, 20 storage rack, including MDCN SCALP missiles, Exocet SM39 Block 2 Missiles, F21 Artemis heavy torpedoes and FG29 mines. It can launch special forces from a dry dock shelter, which allows for submerged deployment.
This submarine would be ideal for Canada’s needs, particularly in relation to Arctic Operations, a necessity when countering submarines from other nations like China, Russia and the United States.
It is essential that Canada get this procurement program correct. No other weapons system has been, or will be, as important as Canada’s submarine fleet. The deterrence these submarines can provide, whether Ballistic or Cruise Missile Equipped will be essential to Canadian sovereignty and to ensuring that Canada’s norther passage remains safe, combined with Canada having the capability and capacity to maintain surveillance on and below the waterway.
These weapons systems must be capable of a forty year lifespan, and be capable of missile , sonar and technology suite upgrades as new weapons systems become available in future years.
Canada is now faced with a new situation that illustrates that 80 years of collaboration and cooperation mean nothing. We, are on our own, and Canada needs to respond accordingly.
What would best afford Canada protection would be a second strike ballistic missile capability in order to secure national sovereignty. There is no sense being hopeful or naive.
Sovereignty requires, strength, commitment and the ability for deterrence.
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