National shipbuilding strategies in Australia, Britain, and Canada.

Abstract

This article conducts a comparative analysis of naval shipbuilding approaches by Australia, Britain, and Canada with a view to promoting wider understanding of naval shipbuilding in Canada. Through various strategic and tactical factors, it illuminates how Canadians got to where they are in naval shipbuilding, which processes should be kept, and where there are shortfalls. With a focus on large naval ships, defined as 1000 tons or heavier, the article finds that much of Canada's naval shipbuilding strategy makes sense and should be continued. Yet there are critical problem areas that, if not addressed, threaten to leave the Royal Canadian Navy without the warships it needs.