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Thatch's avatar

Nice & concise. In defence of the RCN presentation the actual Outlook slide noted >$ 5B which is another way to equate the magnitude of value without confirming a topend EA expectation or what the RCN will seek approval to fund. What everyone likely knows, is that there is no way that a dozen moderately armed and combat capable ships will be built anywhere on this planet for $5B, especially when 2/3 of the project EA will need to be added in reserved for thru-life sustainment cost. As you've mentioned VLS and sensors will take a nice chunk out of that value. Even if the RCN needs cheap & quick- it is just not going to happen. Expect lots of Canadian content as you've noted, and common systems between fasst-v and cdc from a c5isr mission systems level & training value between classes. You are right on the money on length (as mentioned at Outlooks) , I too feel 120 metres likely wont be seen, maybe 110 or 115 max, but 105m is no longer a hard and fast length restriction as the RCN briefed. I'd hope for a rapid delivery with a robotic pace that rivals RCD. Hfx class is tired but also a legendary Canadian design. I am not convinced any NSS shipyard in Canada has capacity without massive investment and partnering. Maybe CDC becomes a concession? Maybe CDC has a super robust stern L&R system (or even a moonpool?) We know it'll have modular mission systems. Invite some big players to invest in the Canadian marine infrastructure base like our allied Australia and the US magnitude values. There are a few foreign yards and designs that the RCN to can call upon to include all the Canadian content desired and deliver this next combatant for the best taxpayer value for money-especially when someone starts adding up repair bills over the next 2 decades. Maybe the PBO will take a few months to run the numbers and draft a report for folks to start realizing just how much investment Canada actually needs make in our own yards to meet the fed fleet demand. Canada can certainly design awesome warships as clearly evident in Hfx Class - the nation might actually get to export this design, and finish what the Halifax Class almost achieved regarding export to other nations when it was introduced as the next gen warship. Lets go!!

Kevin's avatar

Regarding the lack of mention of torpedoes and sonar, I'd imagine if this is truly a Halifax class capability equivalent as many are saying. It won't be long before those requirements are added on.

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