Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:05:19-2:05:47

Choosing an LHD design for Canada

An off-the-shelf LHD reduces risk, but a new amphibious capability needs enough size to perform the missions expected of it.

Amphibious WarfareLHDNaval ProcurementRoyal Canadian Navy
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Question

Which LHD would you choose for the Royal Canadian Navy?

Short answer

Start with a proven off-the-shelf design, while ensuring that any new LHD is a capable, full-sized amphibious ship.

Notes

An existing large amphibious design is the most realistic off-the-shelf starting point for Canada. The Canberra class is presented as a proven full-sized option. A Mistral-derived design could be cheaper because French and Russian work had already developed a strengthened variant before the sale collapsed. Any new landing helicopter dock should be large enough to deliver a useful amphibious capability rather than a symbolic ship.