Canada confirms plan to replace submarine fleet at NATO summit

Canada definitely plans to move forward with the purchase of new submarines, the federal government announced on the margins of the NATO Summit on Wednesday.

Up to now, the government has spoken only about the possibility of replacing the aging Victoria-class boats. But in the face of mounting criticism of Canada's defence spending by allies — notably the United States — Ottawa has given the proposal the green light.

A senior government official, speaking on background, said they could not confirm how much the plan will cost, how many boats will be purchased or when they will arrive.

The submarine construction program will be separate from the National Shipbuilding Strategy because no shipyards in Canada currently have the capacity or technology to build sophisticated sub-surface vessels.

Defence Minister Bill Blair announced Wednesday that Canada «is taking the first step towards the procurement of up to 12 conventionally-powered, under-ice capable submarines.»

He said the federal government is formally launching the process to find out what submarine builders can offer.

«Through the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), Canada will acquire a larger, modernized submarine fleet to enable the Royal Canadian Navy to covertly detect and deter maritime threats, control our maritime approaches, project power and striking capability further from our shores, and project a persistent deterrent on all three coasts,» Blair said in a media statement.

The Department of National Defence is in the process of meeting with manufacturers and potential partners, Blair added.

«A formal Request for Information (RFI) will be posted in fall 2024 to gain further information on the procurement, construction, delivery and operational capabilities of