Canada is About to Choose its Next Submarine

With Ottawa expected to announce its preferred supplier for the Victoria-Class submarine replacement, Dr. Paul T. Mitchell speaks with CDA Institute Fellow Dr. David Borys about the competing German and South Korean bids and the long-term strategic, operational, and institutional implications of the decision.

They discuss the procurement process that narrowed the competition to two submarine designs, and the comparative advantages and trade-offs of each option, including range, endurance, habitability, weapons systems, and sustainment. They also discuss the operational requirements associated with Canada’s three-ocean posture, including Arctic operations, long transits, and the long-term implications for fleet readiness, maintenance, and force structure.

Beyond platform performance, long-term sustainability and the ability to support and operate a large submarine fleet across vast distances are central considerations shaping Canada’s decision.

Dr. Paul T. Mitchell is a Professor, Dept of Defence Studies at Canadian Forces College.

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The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: https://cdainstitute.ca/

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute