Gatineau – Through Canada’s defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is providing members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with the equipment they need to keep Canadians safe and maintain current and future operational readiness.
Canada has the largest coastline in the world, and it is essential that the RCN be equipped with superior underwater surveillance capability to maintain our country’s security and sovereignty. The RCN’s current Victoria-class submarine fleet is scheduled to be decommissioned in the mid-2030s. As such, replacement vessels are needed so that Canada can continue meet its defence objectives and maintain its maritime capabilities.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to industry stakeholders to gain further information on the availability of submarines that are currently in service or in production, and the industry’s capability and capacity to build and deliver up to 12 submarines to Canada.
In addition to the RFI, as part of this procurement process, Canada continues to meet with officials from allied and partner countries, and companies and navies in Europe and Asia that currently have, or are in the process of, building submarines that may meet Canada’s requirements.
Respondents are encouraged to provide their initial feedback by November 18, 2024. This feedback will also help inform the procurement process moving forward.
To avoid any gaps in Canadian submarine capabilities, Canada anticipates a contract award by 2028, with the delivery of the first replacement submarine no later than 2035. These efforts are part of Canada’s plan to increase its defence spending ratio in relation to gross domestic product.
“As Canada’s Arctic is becoming increasingly accessible, Canada needs reliable maritime capabilities to maintain our country’s security. As such, we are committed to building a more agile, better-equipped military, while ensuring that these new contracts benefit our businesses, workers and Canadians. The procurement of new submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy will enhance our ability to monitor and detect threats along our coastlines, and protect Canadians.” – Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
“As an Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific nation with the world’s longest coastline, Canada needs a new fleet of submarines. The procurement of up to 12 conventionally-powered, under-ice capable submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy will enhance Canada’s ability to detect and deter maritime threats, control our maritime approaches, and project power and striking capabilities further from our shores. We look forward to working with industry partners to implement this crucial project, in support of the priorities outlined in Our North, Strong and Free.” – Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence