Royal Canadian Navy Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee recently expressed skepticism about the feasibility of building new submarines in Canada. Speaking at the Hanwha Ocean Shipyard in South Korea, he highlighted two primary concerns: the urgent need for submarines and the insufficient demand to support a domestic production line.

Topshee stated, "A submarine industry requires a consistent production line, and to be able to build enough submarines … to sustain a production line will be a real challenge." His comments came during a visit with Defence Minister David McGuinty and Prime Minister Mark Carney, who were exploring options for replacing Canada’s aging Victoria-class submarines.

The competition for the new submarines includes Hanwha and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Carney visited ThyssenKrupp's submarine yard in Kiel, Germany, in August. Both companies have indicated that while it is technically possible to build submarines in Canada, establishing the necessary infrastructure would take considerable time, which is a concern given the urgency of the situation.

Despite the challenges, officials assured that Canadian resources would be utilized in the maintenance of the submarines. The discussion raises broader questions about Canada’s shipbuilding capabilities. Historically, Canada has relied on foreign-built submarines, as well as other military vessels, due to issues such as delays and cost overruns in domestic shipbuilding projects.

The debate continues over whether Canada should prioritize building its own military vessels or continue to procure them from international sources. Critics argue that the current state of Canadian shipbuilding is fraught with inefficiencies, leading to a preference for foreign options.

As the Canadian government navigates these decisions, the focus remains on ensuring that the navy has the necessary equipment to operate effectively, even if that means looking beyond national borders for solutions. The urgency of acquiring new submarines underscores the complexities involved in balancing domestic production capabilities with immediate operational needs.