saturn_656 saturn_656:
I wouldn't suggest building our own, but the Germans are making decent diesel electric subs. Type 212 and Type 214.
Like the Greeks?
Greece’s U-214 Submarine Order: Default & SettlementSince it is a default we can see all the numbers. $3 billion and that is not factoring in docking costs and tooling up/training requirements. I think the 214 is a fine idea and given the time it to get the Victoria class up and running we could have had these sooner but at three times the cost (minimum). All the while still having the same issue of a submarine program that has been seen as a decadence by political powers that hold the purse strings.
Ideally, I would like to see the Victoria sub in place now and then rotated to training status while new boats of the 214 AIP variety replace them. We kept the Oberon's way too long and have been living on the cheap when it comes to our submarine commitments. Canada needs subs or Canada is not sovereign. We need a long term program with eye on equipment being replaced in a timely manner.
saturn_656 saturn_656:
The MK48's we use now are Mod 4 and are inferior to the later models used by the USN. We requested conversion kits last year to upgrade them to Mod 7. Which will be nice when the Victoria's are finally able to fire a torpedo.
My comment about the "downgrade" stems from the fact that elements of the Oberon fire control system were installed the Victoria subs in lieu of what the British had originally installed, rather than a new system.
By the time they were retired, the Oberons were far from "cutting edge".
So your saying that this procurement order was never filled?
Conversion Kits for 36 'new' Canadian Submarine Torpedoes US Foreign Military Sale NoticeThe mark mod 4's are placeholders anyway, neither are made for the subs as we had to cut out chunks of the hull to make them work.
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