In a discreet move amidst a series of last-minute Senate and judicial appointments, the Liberal government announced on Saturday the signing of an $8 billion implementation contract with Nova Scotia’s Irving Shipbuilding for the construction of the Royal Canadian Navy’s new River-class destroyers. This contract marks the initial phase in the protracted effort to replace the navy’s aging Halifax-class frigates, serving as a down payment for the first three of these advanced warships.
Senior defence officials disclosed in a technical briefing late Friday that the total cost for these three destroyers is projected to exceed $22.2 billion. Following the briefing, the federal government imposed an embargo on the information until Saturday morning. The announcement coincides with Parliament’s prorogation after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plan to step down, and precedes the Liberal Party’s leadership selection and an anticipated federal election.
Notably, neither Defence Minister Bill Blair nor Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos participated in the briefing or were available for comment on the significant expenditure. Rob Huebert, a political science professor at the University of Calgary, criticized the government’s approach, suggesting an attempt to minimize public scrutiny of the project, which has already consumed $2.6 billion in design and preparatory work.
The new destroyers, based on the British Type 26 frigate design by BAE Systems, will incorporate the U.S.-designed Aegis combat management system. This decision has sparked debate, especially in light of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic threats against Canada. Some Liberal leadership contenders advocate for increased domestic sourcing of defense equipment. A senior defence official downplayed concerns about U.S. political interference, emphasizing the complexity and international collaboration involved in building the 8,000-tonne warships.
The escalating costs present another contentious issue. While the Defence Department’s website recently estimated the total cost for 15 ships at $56 billion to $60 billion, the new figures suggest a higher per-ship cost. Officials anticipate that expenses will decrease as production progresses and efficiencies are realized. Huebert expressed skepticism, noting that initial ships in such programs are typically more expensive and that actual costs may surpass current estimates.
Initially selected for its off-the-shelf design to reduce costs, the Type 26 has undergone modifications by Canadian naval planners, adding weight and additional weapons systems to the original plans.
Source: Swifteradio.com
