Canada and the World

[Admiral Beez]

Sounds like you're arguing for the split procurement, 212CD for Atlantic/Artic operations and KS-III for Pacific?

I’d rather forget them both and get nuclear-powered attack submarines. That’s what we need for the Arctic.

 

[kEiThZ]

I’d rather forget them both and get nuclear-powered attack submarines. That’s what we need for the Arctic.

We can't put one conventional sub to sea continuously and you think we can simply just jump to a whole fleet of nuclear powered attack subs? Nope. And I don't think our allies would even support us getting the capability given our current abilities.

 

[Admiral Beez]

We can't put one conventional sub to sea continuously and you think we can simply just jump to a whole fleet of nuclear powered attack subs? Nope. And I don't think our allies would even support us getting the capability given our current abilities.

What we should have and what's feasible is not lining up, that I'd agree. I'm surprised that Brazil is building a SSN.

 

[afransen]

I’d rather forget them both and get nuclear-powered attack submarines. That’s what we need for the Arctic.

What you're suggesting would mean having zero subs for a couple of decades, given procurement timelines.

We could certainly entertain nuclear attack submarines but that seems like something to pursue later as a nice to have.

 

[Admiral Beez]

What you're suggesting would mean having zero subs for a couple of decades, given procurement timelines.

We could certainly entertain nuclear attack submarines but that seems like something to pursue later as a nice to have.

You're right on both counts. I support the new AIP diesel subs because we must keep our skills and capabilities current. But we should also have a plan to replace or augment these boat with nuclear subs in the 2050s. If my son or daughter were in the RCN under the ice I would want them in a nuclear boat capable of operating for months if need be.

 

[lenaitch]

I'm not opposed to it. I do think the KSS is better. But there's definitely more of an argument for split sub fleet than split fighter fleet.

I am hearing concerns from naval personnel about the negative impact on readiness if they went with two fleets of six boats. Given various maintenance/refit levels, they figure the best they could get is one boat per coast. Also, no interoperability of maintenance, parts and crews.