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That was my kinda my understanding, though slightly different number for batch 2: Initial 3, batch 2 would be 6, and batch 3 would be 6, each batch incorporating improvements over the previous batch(es).

Under more normal conditions (non-Trump administration) I'd agree. However, given the F35 is the clearly superior airplane, and won the competition already once against the Gripen, on all criteria from my understanding, even if the Americans choose to exercise the ITAR restriction on those...

The elephant in the room is still, in my opinion, the ITAR implications of the GE F414 engines. SAAB had proposed a workaround by using a variant of the EJ200 (EJ230) which is a) undeveloped (and by some estimates would need at least 6 years before it would be available) and b) would then need...

Except for one thing: Poilievre is sinking amongst Canadians, and he's probably going to want to prop this government up if he expects to stay in power beyond Tuesday. https://cultmtl.com/2025/10/mark-carney-leads-pierre-poilievre-in-net-favourability/

Meanwhile, the charm offensive from the "other" contender was in full view the last few days here in Ottawa: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/10/germany-norway-advocate-for-canada-to-join-type-212cd-submarine-project/

First Batch III in the water: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/10/hanwha-ocean-launches-first-kss-iii-batch-ii-submarine/ Bigger than I thought. I was under the impression this was a 3600t submerged boat, but if the article is to be believed, it's actually 4000t.

The faster we hook ourselves into that ecosystem the better.

Yup. Now 30 Oct. 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/firearms-buyback.html

Dodged a bullet: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/10/swedens-a26-submarine-programme-faces-new-delays/

The F35 with the sidekick mod (which Canada will have) can carry six AIM120s internally, plus an additional eight AIM 120s and two AIM9x externally, in "Beast" mode. It would be no slouch in the scenario you describe above. True it loses stealth, but the Rafale (or F-15 EX) would as well.

Hanwha has recently updated their KSS 111 website with some new graphics. A little clunky, but some good views of the sub itself. https://www.hanwhaocean.com/en/whatwedo/3dsubm/

SK goes with the L3 Harris/ELTA Global 6500 solution: https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/south-korea-picks-us-l3harris-surveillance-jets-to-counter-north-korean-missile-threats

Not to mention, the projections I've seen show it will be difficult to spend that 3.5% anyway. I have it on pretty good authority that staff are looking at shortening LCM to 20 years on major assets such as ships and aircraft just to meet the 2% continuous spend, let alone 3.5%. Going to 3.5%...

Germany looking to purchase GlobalEye: https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/germany-prioritizes-saab-globaleye-aircraft-for-national-airborne-early-warning-needs

The Spanish has just launched the first of class of their F110 frigate, which features the SPY-7 radar. Hopefully any bugs in that hardware are discovered early and debugged by the Spanish before the first sets are delivered to Irving...

Hanwha ramping up the charm offensive: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/politics/2025/09/11/south-korean-shipyard-sweetens-its-submarine-sales-pitch-to-canada/

Kongsberg supplying props to the RCDs (first deliveries in 2028): https://www.navaltoday.com/2025/09/09/kongsberg-to-supply-propulsion-systems-for-canadas-river-class-destroyers/

Yup. One of those is my daughter unfortunately. She was the reason we were in Halifax this past weekend. Hoping that strike is resolved soon. A bunch of bored students in dorms combined with partying and alcohol is an explosive combination! :)

Thanks - that explains the fantastic state of the ship. The German sailors we met did mention they had had some Canadians along for their last sail. Really looking forward to seeing Protecteur at work.

I spotted the lead vessel of the JSS basis design from my room on the 8th floor of Juno tower this past weekend. I got the chance to speak to some of the crew. They seemed to be enjoying Halifax. The ship looks to be in very good condition, for a 26 year old vessel.