The Future of Asterix

By Les Mader, 14 October 2026

At the attached YouTube video, Scott Taylor of Esprit de Corps magazine argues for the RCN's continued use of the Asterix resupply vessel even when the Protecteur-class AORs enter service.  He states that: "Asterix delivers 95% of the design capability of a full military support vessel, but at only 20% of the cost and in 10% of the time required to build one."

I do not have a firm opinion on the idea of retaining Asterix, but do know the following:

• The RCN needs at least three AORs to cater for two fleets, readiness rotation, ship maintenance, and ship refits.
• It seems extremely unlikely that we will see any more Protecteur-class AORs any time soon.
• Asterix would be able to meet some part of the AOR shortfall.
• Asterix is not built to military standards and thus is at greater risk if sent into danger.
• Using mixed military and civilian crews on non-military AORs is done by some NATO navies - for example, USN and RN.

I am curious what the Forum's views on the topic are.

Post continues on Broadsides.

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Preview CNR Next Issue: Vol. 22 No. 2 (2026)

In his Editorial “The Art of Naval Thought,” Brian Santarpia notes that “the RCN dedicates relatively little effort to professional education in the foundations of strategic thought,” and that this is unfortunate. To start off the line-up of interesting articles, we have the winning essay of the 2026 CNMT essay competition. The author, C.A.M. Al Wahi, won with an impressive essay entitled “Vulnerable Arteries: Protecting Critical Subsea Infrastructure and the RCN’s Mandate.” Our second article, “A Submarine-First Royal Canadian Navy?” argues that, as Canada’s main strategic asset, submarines should receive more focus in the RCN. Our third article, “Slow Procurement is Canada’s Greater Risk,” outlines problems and solutions in the military procurement process from the perspective of a Canadian company. The next article, “Of Hulls and Sailors: Why Fleet Recapitalization Depends on Personnel Generation,” focuses on the importance of ensuring there are enough trained personnel as a crucial element of naval capability. The final article discusses HMCS Sackville and the ship’s recommissioning ceremony in the spring.   

We have a good selection of Making Waves commentaries. There is material about the future US Arctic Security Cutters, discussion of the importance of trained personnel, underwater surveillance in the Arctic, and suggestions about the design of Canadian amphibious forces.

And, of course, we have our regular columns. In “Allies of Necessity: Japan and South Korea,” “A View from the West” looks at the uneasy relationship between two key players in the Indo-Pacific region.  “Dollars and Sense” examines the shift from austerity to abundance in defence, and “Warship Developments” updates us on Tomahawks and aircraft carriers.  

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Stay tuned. In a few weeks, the issue will be available to 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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