Submarines
Submarines are part of the unseen force of the nation; no other asset in the Canadian Armed Forces can rival their impact as the mere possibility of one operating undetected can alter the entire nature of a crisis or conflict.
Covert, well-armed, and capable of patrolling vast distances, submarines can provide support to maritime law-enforcement, narcotics trafficking, smuggling, and polluting cases, as well as conducting operations around the world, and contributing to continental defence, including in the Arctic.
In an emerging crisis, a submarine presence can profoundly shape regional decision-making, and a submarine’s lethality can contribute decisively to combat operations.
As a result of their unrivalled stealth, persistence, and lethality, the mere possibility that a submarine is operating undetected can alter the entire nature of a crisis or conflict.
Success in maritime operations require the ability to have control above, on and below the surface of the sea. Without submarines the effectiveness of Canada’s other maritime assets would be limited.
Classes
Victoria-class Submarines
The Victoria-class submarine is a conventional diesel-electric that boasts stealth capabilities, increased manoeuverability, and extremely quiet electric propulsion systems.