Canada Sets Sights on Arctic Defense with New Submarine Fleet

Canada is advancing its Arctic defense strategy by acquiring up to 12 new submarines. This move, driven by Arctic security concerns and global warming impacts on shipping routes, aims to bolster Canada's maritime capabilities. The formal procurement process will begin in autumn, with a focus on conventional and ice-operable submarines.

Canada is moving forward with plans to acquire up to 12 new submarines, aiming to enhance its Arctic defense strategy, the defense ministry announced on Wednesday. This initiative reflects an updated defense policy focused on counteracting threats from Russia and China.

Highlighting the impacts of global warming, Canada anticipates the Arctic Ocean will become a key shipping route between Europe and East Asia by 2050, necessitating stronger maritime security. 'As the country with the longest coastline in the world, Canada needs a new fleet of submarines,' stated Defence Minister Bill Blair.

The ministry plans to issue a formal request for information in autumn after consulting with manufacturers about procurement, construction, delivery, and operational capabilities. The new fleet will replace the aging and costly current fleet of four submarines, with the new vessels being conventionally powered and ice-capable.

Under U.S. pressure to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP, a NATO commitment, Canada outlined plans in April to boost defense expenditure, including additional funding for submarines, aiming to reach 1.76% of GDP by 2030.

CTV News reported that Canada is set to reveal its plan on Thursday to meet its NATO defense spending commitment. The defense ministry has not yet commented on this report.

(With inputs from agencies.)