Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:20:58-3:21:13

Why a Canadian LHD would need Arctic strength

A Canadian amphibious assault ship would need exceptional hull strength and ice-capable design to fit the country's Arctic operating environment.

Amphibious Assault ShipsArctic OperationsIce StrengtheningRoyal Canadian NavyWarship Design
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Question

Would an LHD make sense for Canada?

Short answer

Potentially, but it would need a very tough, highly ice-capable design suited to Arctic operations.

Notes

An LHD could make sense for Canada, although it remains an aspirational idea. The ship would need to be built very strongly for Canadian conditions. In particular, it would require something approaching icebreaker-level capability rather than a warm-water amphibious design adopted unchanged. National geography therefore shapes the structural requirements of a large aviation and landing ship.