The Point We Are Missing on Nuclear Submarines
By Brian Santarpia, 26 May 2026
The current debate over nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is, in many respects, a debate past itself. Critics are correct to note the immense cost, institutional disruption, and generational timelines associated with acquiring and sustaining a nuclear submarine capability. Proponents, meanwhile, often struggle to articulate a mission set that clearly distinguishes nuclear boats from advanced conventional alternatives. The result is a conversation focused on platforms rather than purpose.
What is being missed is the most consequential mission for Canadian submarines and the strategic logic that underpins it.
The central threat to Canadian sovereignty in the maritime domain is not, in the first instance, territorial encroachment in the Arctic or grey-zone activity along the coasts. It is the possibility that the United States loses confidence in Canada’s ability to prevent its air and maritime approaches from being used as avenues of attack against the continental United States. In such a scenario, the risk is not simply military, it is political. If Washington judges that Canada cannot secure its own approaches, it will act to secure them itself. History suggests that, when faced with existential threats, the United States will not defer to allied sensitivities.
The most dangerous manifestation of this problem lies in the threat posed by guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) operating in the open Atlantic or Pacific approaches to North America. These platforms are inherently difficult to detect and track, particularly when operating in deep ocean environments beyond the reach of fixed surveillance systems. Armed with long-range land-attack cruise missiles, they offer a hostile power the ability to strike North American targets with minimal warning time.
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Preview Next Issue: Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)
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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Looking for Books about Maritime Matters?
Over the last 20 years, Canadian Naval Review has published over 180 book reviews. These books cover a variety of topics but they all relate to maritime matters, history, or security and defence at sea. This is an amazing resource. Go through the list of reviews, pick out a few books that look interesting, read the reviews, and then order the books from your nearest bookstore or from the publisher. See the list of book reviews at https://www.navalreview.ca/book-reviews/