Vanguard Magazine

UNREALISTIC A NUCLEAR SUBMARINE infinite range (limited only by food sup- plies), greater speed, and the ability to operate deep under the Arctic ice-cap, a nuclear attack submarine (SSN) would suit many of Canada's vital submarine require- ments. Yet, the attractions are a mirage, and the pursuit of an SSN program at this time would be folly. Here, history is a guide. Canada has se- riously considered acquiring SSNs twice before and both times found the costs to be unaffordable and long-term govern- ment support impossible to guarantee. 5 On the critical issue of expense, the issue is not only the submarines themselves but the total enterprise cost: the infrastructure, the maintenance, regulatory requirements, the education and training associated with nuclear power, and the eventual decom- missioning and safe disposal of the subma- rines' reactors. 6 The timelines involved in procuring an SSN are also a critical component. Sim- ply put, these vessels take a long time to build – time that Canada does not have if it wants to retain the Navy's ability to operate submarines. In dreaming of a fleet of SSNs, proponents risk setting Canada on a path that is not only destined to end without SSNs – but without any subma- rines at all. Technology and Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Broad sweeping statements about the need for the capabilities brought by an SSN are simple and seductive. To fully comprehend the scope of the enterprise, it is worth- while to examine the critically important – but underappreciated – details that make that vision an illusion. As one of the most advanced weapons platforms in the world, naval nuclear pro- pulsion technology is a closely held national secret. Today, there are two western nations that own the intellectual property (IP) for naval nuclear propulsion: the United States and France. The Americans are Canada's closest allies and own the IP for not only their own fleet but also the British (and in the future Australian) SSNs. Suggestions have been made that Canada gain access to this technology by joining the US and Australia in the AUKUS agreement (Pil- lar One). Yet, this is a far bigger step than commentators understand – more than an agreement with the President of the United States, this would require US congressional approval, as well as the agreement of the two other AUKUS partners. 7 Moreover, there is no reason to believe that the United States Congress or the US Navy would be supportive of this move. www.vanguardcanada.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024 19 A N U C L E A R S U B M A R I N E His Majesty's Canadian Submarine (HMCS) Victoria conducted diving operations today in the local waters near Victoria, B.C. Photo Jacek Szymanski, Navy Public Affairs, DND-MDN Canada.

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