Only On The Walters Post

Canada’s submarines are getting old. The Victoria-class boats have served us for years, but they’re showing their age and need to be replaced. Now, the government is looking at two options from overseas—South Korea and Germany. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.

Who’s in the Running

The South Korean option is the KSS-III. It’s a larger, modern submarine built for long missions and can carry missiles. It has advanced stealth features, can dive deep, and is designed to stay at sea for long periods. South Korea’s shipyards are ready to get started, and they say they could deliver four submarines by 2035, with more available later.

Germany’s option is the Type 212CD. It’s smaller, proven, and designed for Arctic and shallow waters. It’s reliable and already used by other navies. However, German shipyards are busy building submarines for Germany and Norway, so Canada would have to wait longer for delivery compared to South Korea.

Key Differences

Here’s the main point: The South Korean submarines are bigger, have a longer range, and can launch missiles. This makes them good for long missions, but their size might make them harder to use in tight or icy waters. The German submarines are smaller, ready for Arctic conditions, and have a solid track record, but they would take longer to get here.

Why Timing Matters

Waiting too long for new equipment has caused problems before. Steel and labor get more expensive, and costs can double over time. If new submarines aren’t ready before the Victoria-class retires, Canada could face a gap in its naval abilities. That’s why delivery speed is not just nice to have—it’s crucial.

What Canada Needs

Canada needs submarines that can operate in the Arctic, protect our coasts, and go on long-range missions. It’s also important to have Canadian involvement in training and maintenance to keep the fleet running smoothly for years to come.

The Trade-Off

There’s no perfect choice. If Arctic performance and proven reliability are most important, Germany’s Type 212CD is a strong option. But if timing and cost are key—replacing old subs on schedule and avoiding price hikes—South Korea’s KSS-III might make more sense, even if it’s larger than ideal.

Bottom Line

The time is running out, and if we wait too long, it might cost us more than we expected. In fact, by the time the first sub hits the water, it might be old enough to get a pension.

“Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive.
GW”