Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:00:52-2:01:49

Why six Wasp-class LHDs would overwhelm Canada

Six Wasp-class ships would consume too much of Canada's navy; smaller, ice-capable Trieste-like LHDs would better match Canadian crewing and geography.

Arctic OperationsCrewingLHDRoyal Canadian NavyWasp Class Amphibious Assault Ships
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Question

Would six Wasp-class ships suit the Royal Canadian Navy and its coastline?

Short answer

No; Canada needs smaller, lower-crewed, ice-capable LHDs rather than six manpower-intensive Wasps.

Notes

The amphibious and aviation capability would be useful, but six Wasp-class ships would consume most of the Royal Canadian Navy's available personnel. Canada needs a hull designed for a much smaller crewing profile rather than inheriting the manpower assumptions of a U.S. Navy assault ship. A Trieste-like LHD preserves broadly similar functions at a more sustainable scale. Ice certification and cold-water modifications would adapt that design to Canada's coastline and Arctic geography. Canada can retain the desirable mission set without accepting a platform whose support burden is too large for its navy.