Feds sign $8 billion preliminary contract for new navy destroyers while Parliament sidelined

Amidst a flurry of last-minute senate and judicial appointments, the Liberal government made a quiet announcement on Saturday regarding the signing of an $8 billion implementation contract for the construction of the Royal Canadian Navy’s new destroyers. This contract, with Nova Scotia’s Irving Shipbuilding, is just the first step in the long-awaited process of replacing the navy’s aging frigates. However, it is essentially a downpayment on only three of the highly sophisticated warships, with an eventual price tag expected to exceed $22.2 billion, as revealed by senior defence officials in a late Friday technical briefing.

The timing of this announcement, coming on a weekend and during a period of prorogued Parliament, has raised eyebrows. The federal government imposed an embargo on the release of information until Saturday morning, leaving many questioning the necessity of the secrecy. Defence Minister Bill Blair and Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos were notably absent from the technical briefing, fueling speculation about the government’s intentions.

Defence expert Rob Huebert criticized the government for attempting to bury the announcement and avoid public scrutiny of the project, which has already seen substantial public funds allocated for design and preparatory work. With the total cost of acquiring 15 destroyers estimated to be as high as $80 billion by the Parliamentary Budget Office, concerns about the project’s financial implications are mounting.

Another contentious issue is the decision to use a U.S.-designed combat management system for the new warships. Given the current political climate and calls for increased domestic defence spending, the reliance on American technology has raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities and political interference. However, a senior defence official dismissed these concerns, emphasizing the complexity of the warship and the necessity of sourcing systems from multiple countries.

Despite the political and financial challenges facing the project, the navy is optimistic about the capabilities of the new destroyers. With modifications to the original British Type 26 frigate design and plans to add additional weapons and enhancements, the River class of warships promises to be a game-changer for the Royal Canadian Navy. As construction progresses and the design is refined, officials anticipate a decrease in per-ship costs over time.

While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, the acquisition of new destroyers represents a significant milestone for Canada’s naval capabilities. As the government navigates political pressures and financial constraints, the ultimate goal of enhancing national security and defence preparedness remains at the forefront of this ambitious project.