IN THE 2017 DEFENCE POLICY, STRONG, SECURE
ENGAGED,
1
CANADA REAFFIRMED ITS COMMIT-
MENT TO MAINTAINING A SUBMARINE CAPABILITY
AS PART OF A BALANCED BLUE WATER NAVY;
A NAVY THAT IS CAPABLE OF RESPONDING
ACROSS THE COMPLETE SPECTRUM OF
MARITIME OPERATIONS OVER A VAST
MARITIME ESTATE.
T
he understanding that sub-
marines remain a key element
of balanced naval forces is
important and can be seen in
their dramatic growth in their
numbers worldwide, as more countries opt
to acquire or expand upon a submarine ca-
pability.
2
However, it is their unique role
in protection of national security interests
that is the determining factor – this was
powerfully articulated in a recent speech
outlining Australia's Defence Strategic
Update – a nation with remarkably similar
challenges and requirements.
3
All submarine operating nations acquire
submarines that meet their specific re-
quirements, which are usually defined by
geography and fiscal resources. Not sur-
prisingly, in order to maintain a presence
in Canada's three oceans, Canadian naval
forces must be designed for operations
12 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 www.vanguardcanada.com
SUBMARINES
BY NORMAN JOLIN
CANADIAN
SUBMARINES
– WHITHER THE ARCTIC?
