Crew complements matter greatly to smaller navies once multiplied across a fleet. An Astute-sized crew is materially easier for Australia or Canada to sustain than a Virginia-sized crew over several boats. A common programme could pool design, training, technology, and support resources while still allowing national construction choices. Canada's case is tied especially to under-ice operations, where submarines and aircraft offer more practical combat capability than trying to turn surface warships into armed icebreakers.
Chapter · 2:35:45-2:38:43
The case for a shared submarine programme
A joint submarine programme could pool technology and personnel resources, while Canada's Arctic mission gives it a distinct case for under-ice capability.