New Canadian Shipbuilding Strategy

[Kirkhill]

Hell! They invented the fax machine way way before the fax machine (1914!!!): it was called the Belinographe.

Bélinographe — Wikipédia

fr.wikipedia.org

Away and jump!

Alexander Bain (inventor) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Kirkhill]

The problem with one big beautiful solution...

HMS Dragon returns to port after ‘technical issue’

Warship had taken three weeks to arrive in region following drone attack on RAF base in Cyprus

www.telegraph.co.uk

All the billions of $1 parts always have to work in sync.

...

Conversely with a bunch of cheap solutions you aren't bothered if one isn't available.

 

[Rainbow1910]

The March 2026 Edition of Starshell Magazine has a bunch of interesting items relating to Canadian shipbuilding and strategy.

From NAC Naval Affairs Director Tim Addison:

The expectation is that the CPSP will move from Options Analysis into Project Definition by the end of this spring. At recent industry events senior RCN officers stated that an award announcement will take place likely in mid-June 2026 prior to the House of Commons rising for its summer recess. Subject to negotiation between Canada and the preferred partner, contract award, which was anticipated for early 2027, could now occur in the Fall this year. Depending on the winner, delivery could commence in 2032 but not later than 2035 to meet the planned pay-off of the first of the VICTORIA Class.

In a chat with Rear-Admiral Jason Armstrong, Chief of Naval Capability:

He highlighted that the JSS program is progressing with JSS2 ahead of schedule, while JSS1 is slightly delayed. He emphasized that requirement for the Navy is actually five joint support ships and that there are plans to upgrade the RCN's Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels. The RCD is nearing its comprehensive design review, with collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

Jason also mentioned the need for fifteen river-class destroyers and the goal of transitioning from the Halifax class to the new class of ships. Regarding the CDC, Jason explained that as compared to the original concept of a multi-mission corvette, CDC will be more of a light frigate with a focus on range, ice capability, and lethality, built in Canada with Canadian content. The Navy is defining the CDC's requirements, with an industry day planned for early next year.

The discussion shifted to acquisition of CDC, with Jason indicating that the number of ships to be acquired is under options analysis, but currently the number is 8 to 20. Tim inquired about the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and Jason suggested that it might be time for a refresh to include more Canadian shipyards. They also discussed the need for 4-5 replenishment ships, potentially all based on the Berlin class (used for JSS 1 and 2), and the importance of refueling capability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Jason explained that the RCN is exploring options for replacing aging training vessels like the Orca class, including the building of an "Orca Plus" variant with enhanced capabilities. He noted that while these vessels would primarily serve a training role, they would also contribute to maritime security and intelligence gathering in strategic waterways like the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

Another discussion with Captain(N) Robert Watt, RCN's Director of Naval Strategy:

The discussion focused on the RCN's strategic direction and capabilities. Rob explained that while the Navy is moving towards unmanned systems and autonomous technology, there are challenges with staffing new projects due to limited personnel. He noted that the Canadian Surface Combatant (River Class Destroyer) project will have an ASW focus but will also include capabilities for ballistic missile defense.

He also noted that Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) are already being used for various roles beyond traditional patrol duties, including intelligence gathering and special forces support.

Regarding the Naval Reserves, Rob mentioned the establishment of a new directorate under Captain(N) Hingston to address future workforce needs, including plans for the Future At-Sea Sovereignty Training Vessel (commonly referred to as FASST-V project to replace the Orca Class) to enhance reserve unit capabilities. Finally, Rob expressed support for the Defense Industrial Strategy, emphasizing the need for sustained naval shipbuilding to develop a robust domestic capability, while acknowledging the challenges of industry investment in expensive locations like Vancouver.

I found this section specifically interesting as well:

Tim: Will the RCN remain an ASW Navy or take a broader approach?

Capt(N) Watt: ASW will remain our specialty as it makes sense given our geography. However, the River Class Destroyers will have Mark 41 vertical launchers, Aegis, and SPY 7 radars, giving them ballistic missile defense capability. This puts the Navy in a different league. We'll need to determine whether NORAD would be the force employer for BMD duties. Currently, there's no plan to put SM3 missiles on our ships, so we would primarily serve in a queuing role for ballistic missile defense.

JC: Does the Navy have any appetite for a sovereign sealift capability beyond the JSS, or would it prefer to assume sealift is available from other sources?

Capt(N) Watt: Apart from the US, almost no navies maintain a true sealift capability - most rely on ships taken up from trade or contracted. Building grey hull sealift would drain off critical personnel and design/project capabilities. Sealift doesn't need to be a Navy solution.

Tim: Are we thinking about a support vessel for submarine activities?

Capt(N) Watt: The submarine project team is looking at all options, but the priority now is getting the project down-selected to the actual design and country. The phrase "submarine tender" has been discussed, but those decisions will be made further down the line.

 

[Halifax Tar]

The March 2026 Edition of Starshell Magazine has a bunch of interesting items relating to Canadian shipbuilding and strategy.

From NAC Naval Affairs Director Tim Addison:

In a chat with Rear-Admiral Jason Armstrong, Chief of Naval Capability:

Another discussion with Captain(N) Robert Watt, RCN's Director of Naval Strategy:

I found this section specifically interesting as well:

I agree with him on sea lift. Unless we want to massively expand the CFAV crews.

 

[YZT580]

I agree with him on sea lift. Unless we want to massively expand the CFAV crews.

Do you think Paul Martin would be willing to build a fleet of RO RO ships to serve as an available auxiliary?

 

[Cloud Cover]

There’s certainly an opportunity for civilian auxiliary status sealift hauling all kinds of military related stuff up into the Arctic. If the CAF starts buying up cargo volume from the established sealift carriers already operating up there, we could induce risk of stressing the supply of all the little villages, ports and towns.
Huge linkable barges, and large tugs would also be ideal for the short season in some locations. I saw this up in Rankin where they essentially built a temporary harbour and piers, jetties with barges, floating cranes, big CAT dozers pulling heavy hauser shore lines, and then ships arrive to unload in bulk. When finished they packed it all up and towed it away just as the 1st year ice was thinking about forming.

 

[Halifax Tar]

Do you think Paul Martin would be willing to build a fleet of RO RO ships to serve as an available auxiliary?

I like the idea of building them with industry and having the ability to commandeer them if the ball drops and we need to move the Army somewhere.

 

[Cloud Cover]

I like the idea of building them with industry and having the ability to commandeer them if the ball drops and we need to move the Army somewhere.

Well you can always count on BC Ferries to not show up …

 

[Kirkhill]

The March 2026 Edition of Starshell Magazine has a bunch of interesting items relating to Canadian shipbuilding and strategy.

From NAC Naval Affairs Director Tim Addison:



In a chat with Rear-Admiral Jason Armstrong, Chief of Naval Capability:



Another discussion with Captain(N) Robert Watt, RCN's Director of Naval Strategy:



I found this section specifically interesting as well:

The CDC sounds as if it coming closer to a modernized version of these

Thetis-class patrol vessel - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org