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Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
THE SINGLE SHIPBUILDING ENTITY MODEL IN CANADIAN NAVAL PROCUREMENT: A DISCUSSION PAPER ON NAVAL CONTRACTS IN CANADA
Ty Curran, Candidate M.S.S., Centre for Military and Strategic Studies,University of Calgary
Abstract
In an April 14th 2004 speech Prime Minister Paul Martin promised seven billion dollars worth of new capital purchases for the Canadian Forces (CF), of which 2.1 billion was allocated for the purchase of three multi-role Joint Support Ships (J.S.S.).1 The new J.S.S., which would replace the aging Protecteur Class, will serve as re-fuel and resupply vessels for the fleet, but it will also be capable providing sea-lift and serve as a command center for forces deployed ashore.2 If history is any guide, the government would be better served purchasing a similar type vessel from one of its allies. An after action report of the Halifax Class frigate construction program revealed that similar vessels could have been acquired faster and cheaper from the international market.3 This would also have saved costly investments in infrastructure development and personnel training. Despite this historical precedent the government has stated that the J.S.S. will be built domestically. Creating the infrastructure and training the personnel required for this build will costs hundreds of millions of dollars. This paper will examine whether the Australian Single Shipbuilding Entity Model could be used to ensure the long term viability of this investment in Canada. It should be noted that this is not intended to provide the best option economically, but rather to balance economic considerations with political realities.