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Originally Posted by Phalanx
The CBC article is off slightly in terms of the JSS:
The JSS is not going to be built as originally designed/specced by DND. Right now they're looking at two more conventional military replenishment ships from Spain and Germany (Cantabria and Berlin classes specifically). Although the plans would be purchased elsewhere, they would still be produced here. The JSS was design was being pulled in too many directions (AOR, landing ship, helicopter carrier, command ship, hospital ship) and the cost could not be brought down... remember, it was already set to go and be built before, but the government balked when they saw the price tag. That's part of what led to developing the national shipbuilding strategy in the first place.
In terms of priority, the supply ships are first and foremost (our current ships are way past their retirement date and apparently not allowed in certain areas due to environmental safety concerns with their antiquated design). Next up will be part of the SCSC fleet to replace the destroyers (also past their best before date, but only 70s vintage vs the supply ships 60s vintage) and the AOPS, and then the rest of the SCSC to replace the frigates (80s/90s vintage).
The driving force behind purchasing LPDs/LPHs (amphibious warfare ships like the Mistral class) was Rick Hillier. While they're still generally wanted, there just isn't the budget, nor the personnel to make them viable any time soon. They would likely be purchased internationally, anyway, either new or used.
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Yep, the current AORs that need to be replaced are the last ships in the fleet with steam boilers. Time to get with the 21st century.
I suspect that if we get a LPD,LPH it will be more of landing dock type deal, 10,000-18,000 tons, like the small Italian aircraft carrier, or the smallest US docks. The navy doesn't have enough personnel to crew a couple of large assault ships. Unless, that is, the new frigates become large corvettes in the 2500-3500 ton range, with small crews of 65-75, like a lot of European countries are doing.