Re-establishing the RCN’s Naval Surface Fire Support Capability

By Alec Rembowski, 19 April 2026

Canadians are living in a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty. This is, in part, a result of the re-emergence of great power competition. Some of the key conflicts include: the Russo-Ukraine War (2014-present), the Yemeni Civil War (2014-present), and the current war between the United States-Israel and Iran initiated on 28 February 2026 and continuing to the present. All these conflicts in one form or another have an impact on Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). These SLOCs are vital to sustaining trade relations between states that adhere to the rules-based international system and the globalized economy. It is logical to assume that competition over these SLOCs will be a prominent characteristic of conflicts and great power competition throughout the rest of the 21^st century. We can see this competition demonstrated with the United States and Iran currently competing for control over the Strait of Hormuz.

It is plausible that elements of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) may find themselves conducting operations in conflict zones along coastal regions like the Baltic Sea, Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb and the Indo-Pacific region. These regions all possess restricted passages for important SLOCs. As such, leveraging joint and combined fire support from the maritime domain may be the only possible means to engage targets on the land of these coastal areas. Therefore, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) needs to be prepared to deliver Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) to CAF and allied units as part of the combined and joint all arms team.[1]

Over recent decades the CAF has lost its NSFS capability. This is primarily due to the RCN being unable to sustain the capability, resulting in a reduced skillset and corporate knowledge across the CAF.[2] Along with this, Canada does not have an adequate training range where this capability can be practiced. However, Canada’s defence landscape is changing with the implementation of a new defence policy Our North Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence, and Canada has recently achieved the 2% Gross Domestic Product defence spending target in accordance with NATO targets.[3] Similarly, the RCN is now conducting a strategic review to determine how the organization can best address the rapidly evolving global security environment.

Production of the first of the RCN’s River-class Destroyers (RCD), formally known as the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) project, began in April 2025.[4] The RCDs will be equipped with a 127mm (5 inch) main gun system, Raytheon Tomahawk Missiles, and Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles.[5] The armaments aboard the RCDs enable the CAF to rebuild an effective NSFS capability.

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Latest CNR: Vol. 21 No. 3 (2026)

The second article, “The Strategic Utility of Aircraft Carriers in China’s Ambitions in East Asia,” discusses the rapid growth of China’s aircraft carrier capability and how and where Beijing would likely use them in the case of war. The third article is “Why Does Canada have a Navy? Reflecting on the Canadian Leaders at Sea Program.” In this article, the author addresses a simple question that was asked while he was participating in the CLaS program, and considers what a navy represents and why Canada has one. The final essay, “SS Nerissa: A Tragic Footnote to History,” tells the little-known story of the last voyage of SS Nerissa that was sunk by a U-boat while transporting troops and civilians across the Atlantic in the Second World War.

If that isn’t enough to spark your interest, we have our usual Making Waves commentaries. We have a commentary about hydrography in the Arctic. Sound boring? It’s not. If Canada is getting submarines that are expected to operate in the Arctic, Ottawa needs to act now to map the seafloor there. We have a commentary about the many historic discussions about moving the Coast Guard into the defence department. We have a commentary about the unthinkable – i.e., having naval ships that can act as ‘tripwires’ in the event that the United States decides to blockade Canada. We have an account of a conference in Australia, Canadian interest in East Asia, and preparing for Russia in the Arctic.

And, of course, we have our regular columns. “A View from the West” looks at North Korea’s increasing focus on its navy. “Dollars and Sense” examines the defence-related parts of Budget 2025, and “Warship Developments” updates us on several interesting recent naval decisions.  

In addition to all this great information, we have our usual amazing photos!

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