Canadian authorities are planning to purchase 12 submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP — a concept that involves the use of technology that allows a submarine to move for a long time without having to surface or use a snorkel). The new submarines will replace the aging Victoria-class submarines, Bulgarian Military writes.
The Canadian government will explore options for building submarines of this class. Leading manufacturers will monitor the procurement process, including the South Korean company Hanwha Ocean, the Spanish Navantia, the Swedish Saab, and the German ThyssenKrupp Marine.
The submarines will receive the weapons necessary for effective operations in the Arctic ice.
AIP submarines can remain underwater for a long time without surfacing. This makes them particularly effective for patrolling Arctic waters, where Russian submarines are located.
AIP submarines pose a serious threat to Russian submarines operating in the Arctic.
As Bulgarian Military writes, the new Canadian submarines will complicate operations by Russian submarines. In addition, they will help Canadian NATO partners ensure security in the Arctic.
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