Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:19:37-3:20:04

Could Canada field nuclear-powered surface combatants?

Canadian nuclear surface combatants are judged unlikely in the near term, with a self-defending nuclear icebreaker suggested as a more plausible use.

IcebreakersNaval ProcurementNuclear PropulsionRoyal Canadian NavySurface Combatants
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Question

Could Canada acquire useful nuclear-powered surface combatants?

Short answer

They are judged unlikely soon. A nuclear icebreaker with self-defence capability is considered more plausible, but sustained naval funding remains doubtful.

Notes

Nuclear-powered surface combatants are not expected soon in this discussion. An icebreaker with some self-defence capability is offered as a more plausible proposal, although even that would require sustained government spending on the navy. The answer remains sceptical that Canada would make that commitment soon.