"That capability to operate anywhere in Canadian waters at any time of the year will not be answered with this announcement," said Michael Byers, of the University of British Columbia. "It's not what we really need for the decade or two ahead and it's not what (Prime Minister Stephen Harper) promised."
Byers said both Russia and the U.S. operate heavy icebreakers able to sail in Arctic waters claimed by Canada pretty much any time those countries wish.
In his announcement Monday, Harper acknowledged the patrol vessel program is different from his election promise of armed heavy icebreakers. But, he said, this way more ships can be purchased. Moreover, the "medium" icebreakers are more versatile. The ships will be capable of operating in ice up to one metre thick, Harper said. However, Byers said the vessels are not icebreakers at all, but rather "ice-strengthened" ships that will be limited in when and where they can operate. Military officials privately agree, adding the ships would be more valuable for patrolling the East and West Coasts, in place of the more expensive frigates currently used.
Government officials say the Arctic patrol ships will cost $3.1 billion.
Byers said both Russia and the U.S. operate heavy icebreakers able to sail in Arctic waters claimed by Canada pretty much any time those countries wish.
In his announcement Monday, Harper acknowledged the patrol vessel program is different from his election promise of armed heavy icebreakers. But, he said, this way more ships can be purchased. Moreover, the "medium" icebreakers are more versatile. The ships will be capable of operating in ice up to one metre thick, Harper said. However, Byers said the vessels are not icebreakers at all, but rather "ice-strengthened" ships that will be limited in when and where they can operate. Military officials privately agree, adding the ships would be more valuable for patrolling the East and West Coasts, in place of the more expensive frigates currently used.
Government officials say the Arctic patrol ships will cost $3.1 billion.
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