Canada considers canning diesels, buying nukes

[CCIP]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stor...h-nuclear.html

So Canada is now considering canning its problem-plagued Victoria (ex-Upholder) class diesels which have seen practically no service since they were purchased from Britain. While no definite budget exists for a replacement and the focus at the moment seems to be on the surface fleet, there is word in both the government and the navy that they would like to have nukes (particularly due to Canada's obvious interest in Arctic operations, where diesels aren't so hot).

Thoughts? Will this ever happen? Would used British nukes be a good idea for Canada?

[Jimbuna]

The nuclear boat is without doubt the best option for Arctic operations but I'm wondering if they'd turn to the UK a second time after their experience with the diesel boats.

We currently have seven fleet boats in operation comprising six T class and one Astute.

There are seven Astute class planned and the second of the class HMS Ambush is due in 2012 replacing HMS Turbulent, so I think it is possible Canada could acquire T class boats if they wanted them phasing in over a period of time.

[Krauter]

Sweet! 'Bout time Canada's Maritime Force updated its subsurface fleet.

What do you think the chances are of us acquiring any LA class boats from the states? How close are they to phasing out those boats in favour of the Virginias?

[AVGWarhawk]

Time to start shopping. Kicking tires and test drives!

[Sailor Steve]

OH! This was about submarines. When I read the title I was thinking "Nuclear trucks? How does that work? Tractor-trailers only, or pickups as well? Maybe a Volkswagen?"

[magicstix]

Originally Posted by Krauter

Sweet! 'Bout time Canada's Maritime Force updated its subsurface fleet.

What do you think the chances are of us acquiring any LA class boats from the states? How close are they to phasing out those boats in favour of the Virginias?

Highly unlikely. Even today the US keeps the signatures of LA class boats away from the Canadians during joint ops whenever possible. LAs are also very difficult to refuel since they weren't really designed for it.

Nukes in general though are usually very closely guarded national secrets (Akula sales to India not withstanding). If Canada wants a nuke, she'll probably have to design her own. It'll be a long time until the last LA class gets phased out, and it's almost certain we wouldn't give one to Canada before the last one was out of our fleet.

[Krauter]

Originally Posted by magicstix

Highly unlikely. Even today the US keeps the signatures of LA class boats away from the Canadians during joint ops whenever possible. LAs are also very difficult to refuel since they weren't really designed for it.

Nukes in general though are usually very closely guarded national secrets (Akula sales to India not withstanding). If Canada wants a nuke, she'll probably have to design her own. It'll be a long time until the last LA class gets phased out, and it's almost certain we wouldn't give one to Canada before the last one was out of our fleet.

Very good point. I think it's highly unlikely we receive any LA class boats, but it still doesn't mean I can't wish for it to happen

Also how are LA class not really designed to be refuelled....?

[CCIP]

Again, I could see the RN being more forthcoming with sharing nuke technology with Canada, due to the close historical ties. US less likely, and honestly I don't think designing and building from scratch will be within Canada's budget. That would be an extremely expensive undertaking.

[magicstix]

Originally Posted by Krauter

Very good point. I think it's highly unlikely we receive any LA class boats, but it still doesn't mean I can't wish for it to happen

Also how are LA class not really designed to be refuelled....?

You have to cut them open and remove the reactor to refuel them... Not exactly an easy or cheap task.

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by CCIP

Again, I could see the RN being more forthcoming with sharing nuke technology with Canada, due to the close historical ties. US less likely, and honestly I don't think designing and building from scratch will be within Canada's budget. That would be an extremely expensive undertaking.

Perhaps the RCN (yay we can call it that again!) could operate a licensed copy of a RN SSN. No designing necessary just buy the plans as is and maybe have some parts built in the UK and assembled in Canada.

Originally Posted by Krauter

Very good point. I think it's highly unlikely we receive any LA class boats, but it still doesn't mean I can't wish for it to happen

Also how are LA class not really designed to be refuelled....?

IIRC the LA class does not have hard patches on their hull. To do a refueling means cutting the entire submarine in thirds and installing a new reactor compartment.

[Skybird]

In 2009, I think, I read news that Brazil was to buy a nuclear sub. From France.

The French have 6 Rubis, but plan to decommision them in favour of their new nuclear submarine class, the Barracuda, which should enter service by 2017.

I imagine the French are eager to sell their boats to Canada, too.

And that is better than if they sell them to Egypt, Libya or Saudi Arabia to buy these regime's sympathies.

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

...so I think it is possible Canada could acquire T class boats if they wanted them phasing in over a period of time.

[soopaman2]

I am sure the USA would sell you a few.


One question...Why British nukes?
What you can take our free defense but you can't buy our subs? (via our majority stake in the UN, financially and militarily)

We got plenty, the only thing we export is military goods anymore, buy it darnit! Otherwise we will have to work for 7$ an hour and be happy we are getting that much.

Makes me want to defund the UN and see how the world truly fares then.

[JSLTIGER]

Depends how many they want. I'm sure that there are plenty of Los Angeles class submarines that are about to be or have been decommissioned that Canada could purchase from us if they can't get a hold of the T class boats.

[Kazuaki Shimazaki II]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

There are seven Astute class planned and the second of the class HMS Ambush is due in 2012 replacing HMS Turbulent, so I think it is possible Canada could acquire T class boats if they wanted them phasing in over a period of time.

After the sorry tale of those Upholders, I don't think the Canadians will be buying anything Brit for a long time...