Vanguard Magazine

22 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 www.vanguardcanada.com interview Joint Operations ashore (which will in- clude improved situational awareness, networked communications, interoper- ability, real time information sharing and contributions to joint military opera- tions globally); and • Ensuring the survivability of the Victo- ria-class submarines against current and evolving threats in an increasingly com- plex and changing battle space (which will include an increased ability to oper- ate in potentially contested Arctic waters up to the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ)). Q How do you see submarines work- ing in the Arctic? Do you see a role for UUVs in support of submarine opera- tions in the Arctic? Canadian submarines have operated north of 60N for decades. As we have shared, HMCS Corner Brook has made two de- ployments to the Canadian North in 2007 and 2009 while HMCS Windsor operated above the Arctic Circle in 2016 following Exercise Dynamic Mongoose. Depending on the time of year and ice conditions, the Victoria-class has the capability to operate in the Canadian Arctic and chokepoints of the Northwest Passage. Given recent trends of receding ice coverage in the Arctic, the potential areas for operating Canadian sub- marines will likely increase significantly. Operating in the Arctic can be divided into under-ice operations and patrols in the vicinity of the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ). Each has its unique challenges although sustained operations under the ice are truly the domain of nuclear-powered submarines alone. Operating in the north, even in the approaches to the MIZ, brings with it sig- nificantly different operating conditions than southern waters. In my mind, there are three main challenges: Navigation, strict environmental care, and long distances from support. Navigation is a concern, with sparse bottom soundings available, and generally (from a submarine perspec- tive) shallow waters which makes iceberg avoidance an interesting sport. Our wa- ters north of 60 include the areas covered under the Arctic Water Pollution Preven- tion Act which makes the management of bilge water, organic waste, etc. an ongoing concern. The RCN is a leader in protect- ing our environment during operations and the Victoria-class makes this a priority at all times. While this necessarily imposes endurance limits during peacetime, it is not an insurmountable challenge. The immense size of the Canadian Arctic is the final fac- tor that I want to highlight. The Nanisivik Naval Facility is roughly the same distance from Halifax as is Portsmouth UK. It is much further from Esquimalt than Tokyo. This illustrates that vessels operating in the North are often on their own and need the endurance, stores, and material condition to operate without access to support. In short, operating (especially near choke- points) in the North is a natural mission for the Victoria-class and they do make those patrols. This is precisely the type of employ- ment that conventional submarines excel at – contributing to the Recognized Maritime Picture by conducting Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (JISR) patrols along with anti-submarine warfare searches. Their large bow sonar array, pro- cessed by the AN/BQQ-10 (v)7 submarine sonar system, is an absolutely phenomenal long-range sonar. Often referred to as the "eyes of the submarine", it is coupled with a very capable suite of sensors including a Ranging Sonar, towed array, optical peri- scopes, and Electronic Warfare system, fused into a useable intelligence product by our outstanding submarine crews using the CMS 876 fire control system and ECPINS Warship Electronic Chart Display and In- formation System. Going under the ice, other than for rela- tively short distances, is out of the realm of the possible because conventional sub- marines lack the unlimited power to cre- ate their own breathable atmosphere along with powering ships systems and propul- sion. They also lack the sheer size to com- fortably break through the ice in cases of emergency or operational necessity. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) doesn't require life support systems nor the ability to break through ice so they can pro- vide an under-ice capability. Launched from ships and submarines, they are a growing capability area for navies around the world. Indeed, the RCN is leveraging them for Mine Warfare and other tasks. Using them aboard the Victoria-class would allow them to be covertly launched much closer to areas of interest which would eliminate the long in-bound transit and thus extend their range. The ability to launch and re- cover them via torpedo tubes would permit the submarine to remain submerged and truly make them ready to be employed op- erationally. At this moment I don't assess the technology as being close enough to Technology Readiness Level 9 (or ready for launch and operations) to be considered for the Victoria-class but I am always engaging with industry and certainly willing to be convinced otherwise. Q Finally, we understand the uncer- tain fiscal situation facing government, can you comment on a future submarine project to replace the Victoria-class by the end of their service lives, specifically when do you see this project coming into play? The government committed in Strong, Se- cure, Engaged to operate the four Victo- ria-class submarines along with making an investment to modernize the Victoria-class in order to ensure an operationally rel- evant submarine capability into the mid/ late-2030s. Many of the investments made as part of the Victoria-class Moderniza- tion program will inform requirements of a future class of submarine should the Government of Canada indicate intent to replace the Victoria-class submarine. Those upgrades are my current priority although Naval Force Development does routine environmental scanning, working with our allies who build or deploy diesel electric submarines, to identify potential opportunities that Canada could consider taking advantage of to deliver a continued capability for Canada. The intent would be to leverage pre-investments and ongoing progress by other nations, to manage clear time sensitivities, so that we are aware of what is available when the time comes for the Government of Canada to make an investment decision for new submarines. I can't predict precisely when that will oc- cur, but we stand Ready, Aye Ready to en- gage in that conversation. HMCS Windsor sits secure in the cradle of the syncroli in Halifax Dockyard in 2014. Photo: DND

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