Quote:
Originally Posted by edslunch
Given we don't have a functioning submarine fleet would we better off not throwing good money after bad and just retiring them? Start again with new subs, accept a gap in the timeline. How critical is this capability?
|
The capability is critical depending on who you ask.
The onus is on the Government to define the mission of the Canadian Armed Forces. Until that is done, it is difficult to plan equipment procurement.
To me, it is very straight forward: the priority of the CAF is to defend Canada. There isn't any threat to Canada from a land invasion. Thus, the defence of Canada is for the Navy and Air Force. However, the current and past government's priority seems to be to project power overseas. But, we can't even do that effectively without significantly improving our Air Force heavy lift capability.
If the Government wishes to continue trumpeting the importance of Arctic sovereignty, then they had better beef up the Navy. Part of that includes a submarine force that can patrol the Arctic.