Modular Capabilities for the Canadian Navy's Single Class Surface Combatant: A Perspective on Flexibility

The Defense Policy Statement requires that the Canadian Forces CF acquire ships which, among other things, will be able to support land operations, provide a sea-based national or international command capability, deploy tactical unmanned aerial vehicles and sustain naval task group operations worldwide. The current Iroquois Class Destroyers are nearing the end of their operational life, and the Halifax Class Canadian Patrol Frigates CPF will reach theirs in the 2018-2025 time frame. These two classes of ships make up the surface combatant force of the Canadian Navy, and the capabilities inherent in them will need to be replaced in order for the CF to meet the maritime defense and security requirements of Canada, both at home and abroad. Haydon Ref. 5 calls for replacement of the CITY-class frigates i.e., Halifax Class and for new general-purpose patrol vessels able to sail into the northern waters. He states that these may, in fact, be the same or very similar vessels. The Single Class Surface Combatant SCSC will be designed to address all areas of the key characteristics identified as necessary for effective operations in the future security environment. These include but are not limited to facilitate net-enabled operations, enhance interoperability, operate in a complex environment, provide future relevance and reduce risks to CF personnel in combat situations. The provision of the SCSC will not only allow for the replacement and enhancement of the maritime capabilities delivered by the current surface combatants of the Navy, but will allow for the more efficient use of scarce defense resources in the fulfillment of Canadas defense and security needs.