Navy commander insists Canada should buy unmodified submarines
By Canadian Press on November 12, 2025.
OTTAWA — Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee says he wants “no changes” to the design of the submarines Canada ends up buying, due to the highly complex nature of the vessels.
The commander of the Royal Canadian Navy says his “perfect” scenario would be to get an order into an existing production line so that Canada can quickly get a sub originally intended for Germany or South Korea.
He joked that if the power outlets on the subs aren’t North American standard, he’ll buy his sailors adapters.
Topshee made the comments in Ottawa today at a defence procurement conference put on by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute think tank.
Ottawa plans to purchase a fleet of up to 12 new submarines and has narrowed down the field to two finalists: a German shipyard and a South Korean one.
Canada needs to replace its aging fleet of four Victoria class submarines, which are set to be retired over the next ten years.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2025.
Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press
11-10
I would hope considerations are made for operating under our Arctic ice, a priority in protecting our northern waters and at least one be capable of JTF-2 operations for covert operations, so we can support our allies in foreign operations. Also, we do not want to rush manufacturing to a point mistakes are made . . . we need quality workmanship, not ‘get’r done fast’ results.