Arctic Defence: The Case for the Damen LST-120

By Peter M Sanderson, 10 September 2026

It all started with an article in Canadian Defence Review, followed by their video: CDR “Why Canada Needs Landing Ships for Arctic Sovereignty | Damen LST -100 Analysis,” in which Admiral Angus Topshee suggests the Damen’s commercial Landing Ship as a timely and cost-effective solution to his Arctic sovereignty challenge. I wish to tweak that (click on Reference 1). But since I am not the guy, cap in hand, standing in front of Treasury Board trying to get them to approve a ship bigger then our allies; it behooves me to provide the winning arguments.

Comparing the Damen Ro-Ro cargo Landing Ships with the original WW II Landing Ship, Tank (click on Reference 2):  

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Current Issue: Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)

Our first article explores China’s rise as a shipbuilding powerhouse. The second marks the 35^th anniversary of the Gulf War by discussing Canada’s role. The third argues that RCN veterans are strategic assets who should be treated and trained accordingly. The final essay reviews defence capabilities now being ordered or built, especially for the Arctic, despite the lack of a new defence policy.

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