Hey Colin, looks like this program is picking up speed.
https://www.navaltoday.com/2024/03/27/seaspan-proceeds-with-construction-of-ccgs-multi-purpose-vessels/
Actually, the two Polars are rated PC2+. Very powerful machines.
https://akerarctic.fi/en/arctic-passion/aker-arctic-provides-ice-expertise-for-canadian-polar-icebreaker/...
Coincidentally, today a contract for new Program Icebreaker design was announced:
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-awards-initial-contract-for-program-icebreakers-to-chantier-davie-816685456.html
The latest renderings of the Polar are quite impressive:
https://www.seaspan.com/seaspan-shipyards/shipbuilding/polar-icebreaker/
If all these programs come to pass, Canada will have a world-class icebreaker fleet.
Canadians are increasingly in favour of increasing defence spending:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/polls-canadians-defence-spending-trump-1.7133640#:~:text=The%20Pollara%20survey%20polled%20support,or%20minus%20two%20per%20cent.
So the government could do it, without a political price.
Hanwha and Babcock team up for submarine programs in Poland and Canada:
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/hanwha-ocean-and-babcock-sign-submarine-business-teaming-agreement/
This will be a concern for the Brits and the Americans:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/australian-mp-recruited-by-foreign-spy-network-claims-intelligence-chief/ar-BB1j5fMc?
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-68420795...
And this article from a few years ago suggests the USAF might look at potentially adding another 74 to their fleet:
https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/airlift-tanker-annual/2018/10/26/could-the-air-force-restart-the-c-17-production-line/
Here's a bit more on this. Apparently there are 5 countries (at least) that have expressed an interest in the C17:
https://idrw.org/5-countries-including-india-want-boeing-to-restart-the-c-17-production-line/
Without an obvious successor, it seems to me there might be a pretty good business...
This is interesting. Apparently there is still interest in procuring more C17s. I wonder what it would take to reopen that line?
https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/boeing-discloses-customer-interest-in-restarting-c-17-production/156806.article
Government wonks are always saying if we raised the defence budget to 2% of GDP we'd have a hard time spending the money. I think we could spend a goodly portion of that extra money on infrastructure and spares, no problem.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.