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Key Points and Summary: Canada’s aging Victoria-class submarines, acquired secondhand from the UK in the 1990s, are nearing the end of their operational life, with replacements urgently needed to protect the world’s longest coastline.

-In 2024, the Canadian government announced the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), aiming to procure up to 12 conventionally powered, under-ice capable submarines by 2035.

-The new fleet will bolster maritime defense across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic, enhancing Canada’s ability to address emerging security threats. With an anticipated $60 billion investment, the project aligns with Canada’s defense priorities under its Our North, Strong, and Free strategy.

Canada’s Aging Victoria-class Submarines Need Replacing

Our neighbor to the north, Canada, has the most extensive coastline in the world, with some 151,000 miles. And in an ever-changing political landscape, the country is woefully short of submarines to protect that vast space.

Currently, Canada has only four diesel-powered subs to safeguard its vast coastline. That must change.

The four Victoria-class submarines that the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) operates are aging and need replacement. A look around the globe showcases the need for better protection, which Canada requires. 

Tiny North Korea operates 71, the most submarines in the world. The United States has 67 submarines, China has 59, and Russia has 49. With the Victoria-class subs facing decommissioning in the next decade, Canada must upgrade its numbers and capabilities. 

Victoria-Class Submarines History

Great Britain constructed and sailed Canada’s small fleet of Victoria-class submarines in the 1980s. When the Royal Navy withdrew the boats from service in 1994, Canada purchased them and some trainers to replace its decommissioned Oberon-class submarines in 1998. The cost was 750 million dollars.

Specs:

Length: 70.3m

Displacement (weight): approximately 2,200 tons surfaced / 2,450 tons dived

Speed: 12 knots (surfaced), 20 knots (submerged)

Patrol Endurance: approximately 8 weeks

Driving Depth: > 200 meters

Crew size: 48 crew and five trainees

Armament: 6 x 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes (18 Mark 48 torpedoes)

What You Need to Know About These Submarines 

The subs initially had some electrical problems, which the Navy eventually fixed. The fourth sub, the Chicoutimi, suffered a serious fire on its way from Great Britain to Canada. One sailor died from his injuries, and two others were seriously injured. It delayed its commissioning until 2015.

Canada Victoria-Class Submarine. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

 

However, in 2017, the vessel sailed into Asian waters and made a port stop in Japan, the first Canadian sub to visit there since 1968. The voyage lasted over six months (197 days), the most extended deployment of a Victoria-class submarine in Canadian service.

One of the subs, the Corner Brook, crashed into the sea floor at nearly 6 knots during a dive off British Columbia in 2011. Two sailors were seriously injured, but the sub was able to surface and sail back to port under its own power. The captain, however, was relieved of duty. 

The Canadian government published a white paper in 2017 that said that the Victoria-class submarines’ operational life was to be extended one “life cycle” or about eight years. 

On July 10, 2024, the Canadian government announced the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The RCN would be acquiring up to 12 conventionally powered submarines. The government stated that “an underwater surveillance capability is crucial to our security and sovereignty.”

An RFI was issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in September 2024.

The Replacement Plan

The procurement of a dozen conventionally powered, under-ice capable submarines will be a big expenditure by the Canadian government. This is part of Canada’s plan to increase its defense spending ratio in relation to gross domestic product.

Canadian Minister of National Defense Bill Blair said, “As an Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific nation with the world’s longest coastline, Canada needs a new fleet of submarines. The procurement of up to 12 conventionally-powered, under-ice capable submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy will enhance Canada’s ability to detect and deter maritime threats, control our maritime approaches, and project power and striking capabilities further from our shores. We look forward to working with industry partners to implement this crucial project in support of the priorities outlined in Our North, Strong, and Free.”

The Canadian government wants international partners, companies, and navies in Europe and Asia to bring forth bids with submarines that are already in service.

Once the bids are submitted, the government will award a contract in 2028, with the first delivery of the submarines no later than 2035. 

About the Author 

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 1945, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications.