CANSEC Exposes Increased Interest in the Continental Defence Corvette

By Mikael Perron, 8 June 2026

A depiction of Vard's concept for the RCN's Continental Defence Corvette, screenshotted from a video launched at CANSEC 2026. Credit: Vard Marine

As the Continental Defence Corvette (CDC) program is taking shape and is increasing the potential for a lucrative contract, it is attracting many proposals. It was possible to see at least three different models at CANSEC 2026. There was a proposal from SAAB, one from SEASPAN and of course an updated proposal from Team Vigilance. Under the Team Vigilance proposal, Vard marine released a video on their LinkedIn social media site displaying the new Vard 7 105 Continental Defence Corvette.

The proposed characteristics are:

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

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It’s that time again! Soon there’ll be a new issue of CNR hitting the streets. To whet your appetite, here is a preview of what’s in the issue.

As usual, the issue contains a smorgasbord of material, with something for everyone. Our first article takes us to China and outlines how it has become a shipbuilding powerhouse. The second article discusses Canada’s participation in the Gulf War, as we reach the 35th anniversary of the conflict. The third article argues that RCN veterans should be seen as strategic assets and treated and trained as such. The final essay outlines some of the defence capabilities that are being ordered/built, particularly relating to the Arctic, even in the absence of a new defence policy to provide strategic direction.

And, of course, we have our usual Making Waves commentaries. In response to enthusiastic discussion on Broadsides (our online discussion forum), we have a commentary about whether geography is destiny for Canada – i.e., as a small (in terms of population) country next door to the United States, does Canada have options for defence? There’s a commentary asking if naval art is dead, a commentary about naval capabilities for the Arctic, and a commentary about how the RCN can make the navy more visible to Canadians.

And, of course, we have our regular columns. “A View from the West” looks at whether China is indeed capable of/intending to invade Taiwan in 2027. “Dollars and Sense” examines the Defence Industrial Strategy, and “Warship Developments” updates us on recent naval developments.  

Naturally, we have our usual amazing photos!

Stay tuned. In a few weeks, the issue will be in the mailbox of people who are lucky enough to be subscribers! It’s not too late for you to subscribe. See here for the Table of Contents.

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