As global tensions rise and NATO allies modernize their fleets, Canada faces pressure to invest in new submarines and upgrade the military, but I have to ask, is that really the smartest move?
In my opinion, ”I will plead my case to you, the reader, whether spending billions on outdated underwater hardware and thinking makes sense in today’s age of drones, AI warfare, and cyber defence.”
- To answer that last sentence, you have to read to the end and find out what an interesting thought, Google AI ‘’Artificial Intelligence’’ has to say.
Back to the original theme of buying Submarines vs Innovation
This question was circulating on social media, and it was ripe for my Canadian opinion: ‘Is buying 12 submarines a good move for Canada?’ ‘Should Canada purchase submarines to ease tension with NATO and the ever-changing world we live?’ Is Canada, in fact, doing its share militarily? So many questions that lead to the same answer.
Well, folks, *We know that the Joneses are buying a few. *** The poor country of North Korea has an estimated 64 to 85 submarines sitting around, ‘though nobody is sure if they actually work.’ The web is full of articles with countries lining up to purchase submarines for these uncertain times, so, with today’s thinking, ‘and everyone is buying them,’ I say we’d better stand in line before they run out.
‘’But in my humble opinion: ‘’NOT’’ would be my answer, and this is my reasoning to the questions.
In some circles of the military elites, I guess purchasing subs is considered the right thing to do. ‘’As long as Canada stays away from the U.K., which sold us four used Victoria-class submarines in 1998. “Boat anchors,” as we all like to call them.’’ *** And an interesting note about the submarines: according to some research and after 26 years, only one has ever worked properly, and billions of dollars have been spent trying to refurbish them to make them sea-worthy. **** ”Stay away from used ones is another one of my suggestions.”
Russia and Ukraine are showing a new way to fight wars.
However, if you look around, read and compare notes, it brings to mind the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. This war is being fought very differently than wars of the past. Take, for example, Russia’s Su-57 (it’s a stealth fighter jet). Each one costs around $70–$100 million to build, and yet they can’t use them effectively over Ukraine.
And now, if we flip back to ships, the expected lifespan for any new naval ship is about 20 years, submarines included. Manufacturers build these floating fortresses with that estimated number in mind.
But in an all-out war, the life expectancy of a naval ship could be measured in months, not years. The war in Ukraine has shown us that there’s a change in how naval and air battles are fought and won today.
A cheap drone has sunk or damaged 26 state-of-the-art Russian ships in the Black Sea region. About one-third of Russia’s Black Sea fleet. So, can we say billions of dollars were sunk because of a now cheaper way of fighting new wars?
Going back to my original Question.
*** Coming full circle to my question, “Should Canada buy 12 submarines?” I say a big ‘’no.’’ We don’t specifically need that many submarines. In my estimation, and not being a military scientist or having any meaningful credentials in that department, our money should go toward research and development of new technologies to combat future wars. And I’m not alone in my thinking, it’s shared by the smartest of ‘’machines.’’ And as an ordinary Canadian with a strong opinion, I believe there are better ways to fight wars, ”‘if that’s even possible?”
However, going back to the submarine purchase: the cost of one sub is estimated at $2.8 billion to over $9 billion per unit. Maintenance over its lifespan could easily double that figure at around ‘’$18 BILLION.’’ And while submarine technology has certainly improved, however, the Chinese propaganda machine claims they have the ability to detect and destroy any submarine, anywhere and no matter how stealthy they are.
Now, maybe that’s propagandizing in its finest form, but if it ever becomes true, then a $9 billion × 12 submarine investment would be a waste of good money in today’s world of warfare.
As I’m winding down my opinion on Canada’s purchasing submarines, this story was relayed to me by a Naval personnel that I still remember today. During the Second World War, fully loaded cargo ships crossing the Atlantic had an estimated life expectancy of only ‘two round trips’ before being sunk by the enemy. Apparently, that was considered acceptable by the military elite.
So, keeping everything in perspective, should Canada buy submarines today to ease tension and commitment to NATO or just because everyone else has one or two? I say ‘’a BIG NO.
Here is my thinking and suggestion:
Invest those billions of dollars in ‘’research.’’ Projects like the American Iron Dome system could serve as a model, technology that could, in theory, protect Canada from invaders (and maybe even our “friends” to the south). Take that money and invest in Canada’s homegrown potential.
- Put partial money into developing new technologies instead of clinging to outdated thinking around submarines. That idea could have outlived its usefulness.
Let’s remember another thing: the oceans are already mined and monitored by all major world powers. High-tech sensors sit on the ocean floor to detect any unwanted threats. The Chinese and Russians have reportedly perfected submarine and aircraft detection technology.
In my opinion, for the cost of ‘’$9 billion, you’d better get more than two Atlantic crossings out of them.’
Here is the best part of my opinion and is shared by Google AI ‘Artificial Intelligence,’ and the punchline to my story.
Are there futuristic ways to fight wars?’
Answer: Yes. Futuristic warfare will involve a blend of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and advanced robotics — all enhancing speed and precision in targeting and logistics.
Other future methods include cyber and space warfare, directed-energy weapons like lasers, and “human-machine teaming,” where soldiers work alongside autonomous systems.
‘’ Key Futuristic Approaches to Warfare’’
** Artificial Intelligence (AI): Used to analyze data, plan operations, and speed up the “kill chain” from detection to strike. AI also supports logistics and strategic planning.
Autonomous Systems: Beyond drones — expect unmanned ground and sea vehicles for reconnaissance and mine clearing. Some may eventually handle autonomous targeting and engagement.
Human-Machine Teaming: AI-powered systems working with human crews — such as “loyal wingman” drones flying alongside piloted jets.
Cyber and Space Warfare: Future conflicts will expand into cyber and space domains, targeting satellites and communication systems.
Directed-Energy Weapons: Laser-based systems are being developed for air defence and precise, low-cost strikes.
Advanced Robotics: Specialized robots for logistics, repairs, and reconnaissance.
Hypersonic Weapons: Missiles travelling over Mach 5 with evasive capabilities — a major challenge for missile defences.
‘’Swarming Technology:’’ Large groups of coordinated drones overwhelm enemy defences.
Here is an interesting article that coincides with my article.
While Canada invests billions in infrastructure projects and national defence, a critical area of investment remains overlooked: biomanufacturing.
Biomanufacturing is the production of biological products like vaccines and cell therapies at the scale and quality needed for human use.
https://theconversation.com/why-canadas-next-big-infrastructure-investment-should-be-in-biomanufacturing-254377
- Amid Canada’s ongoing tariff tensions with the United States, investing in domestic biomanufacturing is a way for Canada to strengthen its economic independence while securing critical health infrastructure.
*** A wake-up call for Canada ***
- There you have it, folks. Nowhere did it say that 12 submarines at $9 billion each, plus double that price for maintenance, infrastructure, are worth the value. But that money would and could buy a lot of research and development on better ways to protect our nation from future conflicts.
‘’My Conclusion:’’
💥 A BIG “NO” to Canada’s submarine purchase.
💡 A BIG “YES” to research and development.
” The inventions of tomorrow haven’t been invented yet.”
Written by Dave Wettlaufer under ‘opinion’
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