The Canadian government has issued a request for information to identify potential providers of up to 12 submarines that would replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s Victoria-class submarine fleet, which has been in service since 1990.
Industry responses will be accepted until Nov. 18 and inform the procurement process for the new underwater craft in preparation for the decommissioning of the existing fleet in the mid-2030s.
As part of the planned procurement, the Canadian government will meet with officials from allied and partner countries, companies, and navies in Europe and Asia that are developing or producing submarines that could satisfy the RCN’s requirements, including stealth, lethality, persistence and Arctic deployability.
A contract award is anticipated by 2028, under which the first replacement submarine should be delivered no later than 2035 to avoid gaps in the country’s maritime capabilities.
The RFI aligns with Canada’s Our North, Strong and Free defense policy, which aims to provide the RCN with the necessary equipment to maintain operational readiness.
“The procurement of up to 12 conventionally powered, under-ice capable submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy will enhance Canada’s ability to detect and deter maritime threats, control our maritime approaches, and project power and striking capabilities further from our shores,” said Bill Blair, minister of national defense.