Canada's Navy modernization sounds like a mess

[That Guy]

Since that's what I thought the last time ( '11 ), I'll reserve belief and applause for if it happens!

Fingers crossed, Tay.

Really? You actually thought Harper would lose last time? Pretty much everyone knew he was going to win.

 

[Taygibay]

Really? You actually thought Harper would lose last time? Pretty much everyone knew he was going to win.

Yeah well, see it this way :
If Trudeau doesn't overcome Mulcair and the two parties split the vote, Harper will get a minority govt.

In 2011, neither was that strong but together, their results were not so great, were they?
137 combined is not anything to go by. Sure Ignatieff was no Trudeau but still, the Liberals underscored.
Had they gotten anywhere near their traditional numbers, Harper could have gone down.

Considering how feeble the Bloc and Greens are, I am very afraid that the scenario shall repeat.
The split will go down to 70 / 70 and Stephen will be right back in. Canadians tend to stick to simple plans.

Again, I'll be happy to be proved wrong but knowing Québec, whatever is taken from the NDP will turn to the Libs.
It will all rest on Ontario, 'cuz the West will stay put or about. If you have clear input from it, do share, man?

Good night, Tay.

 

[Indus Falcon]

Firms To Compete for Canadian Ship Program
By David Pugliese
May 10, 2015


VICTORIA, British Columbia — European and US firms will compete to win a multibillion-dollar contract to design the Royal Canadian Navy's future combat ship and integrate its combat systems.

Canadian government officials have announced that, starting next month, work will begin on compiling a short list of qualified bidders for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC).

Companies will have until October to provide the necessary documentation to support their entry onto the short list, senior government officials said.

One firm will be selected in early 2017 to design the CSC, and another to integrate the onboard combat systems.

DCNS, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems have already announced their intention to bid on aspects of the CSC project.

The government has already designated Canadian firm Irving Shipbuilding of Halifax, Nova Scotia, as the prime contractor to oversee the CAN $26 billion (US $24 billion) project to build up to 15 ships. The vessels will replace the Royal Canadian Navy's Iroquois-class destroyers and Halifax-class frigates.

More than half of the cost of the project will go toward the combat systems and their integration, industry officials say.

French firm DCNS intends to pursue the warship design contract and the combat systems integrator role, said Olivier Casenave-Péré of DCNS Technologies Canada.

"At this stage, DCNS hasn't any comment on the procurement process; we are waiting for further information about the way the procurement will be organized and the requirements defined," Olivier said.

However, the French government and DCNS have been marketing the French multimissions frigate in Canada since 2012 in preparation for the CSC project. The lead ship of the class, the French Navy's Aquitaine, visited Halifax in 2013 and was toured by Canadian politicians and military personnel.

Anne Healey, BAE's general manager for group business development for Canada, said BAE Systems will submit an offer based on the Type 26 global combat ship design. Construction of those vessels for the UK Royal Navy is scheduled for 2016.

"The ship will take full advantage of modular design and open systems architecture, ensuring it can accommodate specific systems and equipment required by the Royal Canadian Navy and can be easily upgraded as new technology develops," Healey said.

"We have a successful track record of contracting Canadian companies into our global supply chain. Over the past five years, we have worked with 270 Canadian companies and invested over a quarter billion dollars with local suppliers," she said.

Rosemary Chapdelaine, vice president of Lockheed Martin Canada's mission systems and training organization, said the firm will compete for the role of combat system integrator for the CSC. She noted Lockheed Martin has already been selected for the combat systems modernization work underway on the Halifax-class frigates, and was named the command-and-surveillance systems integrator on the soon-to-be-built Arctic offshore patrol ships.

"The skill and depth of our existing Canadian workforce continues to drive results for the RCN through the Halifax-class modernization project and the Arctic offshore patrol ships, delivering enduring economic value to Canada," she said.

Canadian government officials say they are looking for a proven ship design that can be modified for Canadian needs.

Although Irving is the prime contractor, the Canadian government still retains overall control on the selection of the designer and combatant systems provider, government officials added.

The first group of Canadian surface combatants will be outfitted with air defense and command-and-control capabilities. The other variant, which will come later, will be a multipurpose ship. The ships will be based on a common hull design.

Government officials could not specify a year when the first CSC would be operational, saying that construction would begin in the early 2020s and the first ship would be in the water sometime in the mid-2020s.

The Royal Canadian Navy originally estimated the CSC replacements for the frigates and destroyers would be in place by 2015.

Both the government and industry are keen to have as much Canadian content as possible on the new ships.

Christyn Cianfarani, president of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, called the CSC "an historic opportunity for Canadian defense and security companies to compete, create and deliver world-class technologies, goods and services for these ships."

The CSC procurement will shape the Navy and Canadian industry for the future, she added.

Domestic defense companies have been pressuring the government to emphasize that the winning bidders must provide local companies with technology transfers to allow them to compete in future international competitions.

"If the government is to be successful in achieving its goals for the CSC, it will need to maintain pressure on bidders to transfer technology, intellectual property and know-how into Canada," Cianfarani said.

Another area of concern is cost of the CSCs. Building delays and inflation could increase costs, putting pressure on the Navy to decrease the number of ships built so it can stay within budget. Government officials say they are aware of the risks but are confident the project will stay on schedule.

Canada's Auditor General Michael Ferguson has already raised warnings about the budget for the CSC. In 2013 he said the $26 billion was "insufficient."

Firms To Compete for Canadian Ship Program

 

[razgriz19]

 

[Thəorətic Muslim]

Canada has the protection from US and allies with no hostile neighbours. No need to spend so much on the military. Our economy can use $26b right now.

The problem is that the Naval Brass doesn't know what it wants. Littoral Patrol ships, against non-state actors, or full blown multi tonne Guided Missiles Destroyer to take out any potential Chinese threat.

Old Guards die hard, and the politicians with their thinking are no easier.

@SvenSvensonov @Víðarr

 

[Akasa]

I'll get angry if I comment on that! Short answer, Yes this procurement is a mess and NO, it won't get better!

Strangely, most Canadians are pissed at Harper and yet, I wouldn't be surprised if he won next time too!
Go figure!!! Maybe Flamer found the flaw there …

Tay.

Harper seems to be the only one keen on keeping the country on its feet.

 

[Taygibay]

Well, the rhetoric he's got down pat all right; the results … not so much!
Did you follow the jet fighters procurement thing? Pressed one the costs
of the Lighting II that ballooned out of reach for the Canadian budget, he
did not agree to a review that most asked for and pushed back any decision
until after the next elections.
How much do you want to bet that if he gets a majority, pilots will have to ride
a single engined goose over the Arctic even though doctrine and tactics run
quite contrary to the idea?

Harper has gusto for sure, it's his way of doing things that's the problem!

Good day all, Tay.

 

[Penguin]

With retreating polar ice caps, new trade routes may open up in the not too distant future, making the need for a properly equipped navy more pressing for Canada

 

[black-hawk_101]

I have heard that Canada Navy is looking for having about 6-8 US current class submarines to be fielded and also some similar destroyers too.

 

[Penguin]

US current class .... as in NUCULAR? tsk tsk
Who told you that?

 

[Taygibay]

Penguin is right to doubt, @black-hawk_101 I'm sorry to say!

A_ Canada won't go nuclear in anything weapon like ( public opinion mostly ) and
B_ They bought old UK subs that suffered tragic mishaps in a program that is now
… huh, mostly slow!

Chicoutimi returned to the force as the year turned and Victoria is operational since 2012.
The other two are docked for repairs.
Even last year as 3 were in use, they " spent a cumulative total of approximately 260 days at sea in 2014. "
Royal Canadian Navy Submarines: Fleet Status

Those are 1970s girls bought in 1998 with a long story of failure, They served all of 3 years in the Royal Navy!
Upholder/Victoria-class submarine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So considering expertise and no disrespect intended, that would be close to using Ferraris for drivers Ed.

Good evening both, Tay.

 

[black-hawk_101]

But I have heard that Canada will looking to spend money along side USN for building Surface and Submerged vessels for their own future Navy. Like they did with F-35As.

 

[Taygibay]

Do you remember the source of what you heard mate? Because the ship program is called :
Surface Combatant - so no subs, you see?
As for the F-35, it barely fits Canada's needs ( save from being US ) and was attacked for it
and the decision on reviewing it was pushed back by Harper until after the upcoming elections.

Good day, Tay.

 

[Penguin]

But I have heard that Canada will looking to spend money along side USN for building Surface and Submerged vessels for their own future Navy. Like they did with F-35As.

USN has no conventional subs.