Canada launches submarine acquisition process

The Canadian military has officially launched its efforts to procure a fleet of up to 12 conventionally powered submarines. On September 16, the Canadian government issued a request for information from submarine manufacturers, with a submission deadline of November 18.

Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair emphasized the importance of submarines for safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty, noting the country’s extensive coastlines along the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

He mentioned that the current fleet of Victoria-class submarines is expected to be decommissioned by the mid-2030s.

To ensure there is no gap in submarine capabilities, Blair stated that Canada aims to award a contract by 2028 and plans to have the first replacement submarine delivered by no later than 2035.

In his announcement, Blair specified that the submarines will need to be conventionally powered and capable of operating under ice. However, no cost estimates for the acquisition have been disclosed. Canada is open to submarines that are currently operational or in production.

These submarines are expected to conduct precision attacks and will be equipped with heavyweight torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and long-range precision land-attack missiles. The information request also aims to engage Canadian industry in areas such as support services, training, and infrastructure for the new fleet, although Canada does not manufacture submarines domestically.

Blair initially expressed interest in acquiring new submarines during the NATO summit in Washington on July 10 but did not provide detailed information at that time. Canadian officials have indicated that this submarine purchase could help fulfill Canada’s commitment to increase defense spending to at least 2 per cent of GDP, a goal that NATO allies have been urging Canada to meet.

To prepare for this acquisition, the Royal Canadian Navy had already initiated the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), which has been collecting data and analyzing potential submarine options. In 2023, the CPSP team engaged with various countries, companies, and navies—such as those from France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Sweden—that either currently have or are in the process of building suitable submarines.

The request for information will assist Canada in compiling a bid package and supporting documents for the upcoming purchase.

The four Victoria-class submarines, originally known as the Upholder-class, were acquired second-hand from the UK Royal Navy. The first three were commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy between 2000 and 2003, while the fourth faced delays due to a fire during transport and was only accepted into service in 2015.

These submarines are currently undergoing upgrades to extend their operational life until the mid to late 2030s.