Canada Moves to Bolster Arctic Security with Submarine Acquisition

Canada plans to acquire up to 12 new submarines to strengthen its Arctic defense. The move aligns with their updated defense policy focusing on Arctic protection amid Russian and Chinese challenges. New submarines will replace the aging fleet, adhering to NATO's defense spending requirements.

Canada is advancing its Arctic defense strategy by acquiring up to 12 submarines, the defense ministry announced on Wednesday. The move follows an updated defense policy emphasizing Arctic protection and countering Russian and Chinese challenges.

The procurement is part of a broader strategy, with Canada highlighting the potential of the Arctic Ocean as a key shipping route by 2050 due to global warming. The defense ministry notes the necessity of bolstering maritime security.

Defense Minister Bill Blair stated, 'As the country with the longest coastline in the world, Canada needs a new fleet of submarines.' The ministry plans to post a formal request for information this autumn following initial meetings with manufacturers.

Currently, Canada operates a fleet of four submarines, which are becoming increasingly obsolete and costly to maintain. The new fleet will be conventionally powered and capable of operating under ice conditions. Under pressure from the U.S. to meet NATO's defense spending commitment of 2% GDP, Canada aims to increase its defense budget to 1.76% by 2030, up from the current 1.4%.

CTV News reported that Canada would unveil its plan to reach the NATO spending commitment on Thursday, though the defense ministry has not confirmed this report.