Canada set to expand naval forces

The Canadian government is set to announce the selection of a builder for the navy’s three new 28,000 tonne joint support ships with a combined price tag of $2.1 million.

A consortium led by General Dynamics Canada is thought to be the leading contender and is expected to place much of the work at the Davie Shipyard in Quebec. Halifax-based Irving Shipyard could also benefit from the project.

However, the three supply ships – meant to replace two 1960s vintage vessels – are only half of what the navy needs. Engineers are currently drawing up a proposal to be presented to the government this summer for a single amphibious assault ship, capable of transporting thousands of troops and dozens of tanks and trucks to the world’s hotspots. In addition to the navy’s own desires, the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence also identified landing ships as a key priority for re-equipping the military.