Canada to acquire up to 12 new, ice-capable submarines for enhanced Arctic defense by 2050.

Canada plans to acquire up to 12 new submarines to enhance its Arctic defense strategy, as global warming makes the Arctic Ocean a potential key shipping route by 2050. The new fleet, replacing the current aging and costly submarines, will be conventionally powered and ice-capable. The defense ministry will issue a formal request for information in autumn after consulting with manufacturers about procurement, construction, delivery, and operational capabilities.