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CBC
18-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Why is the naval destroyer program wrapped in secrecy? The F-35 saga offers insights
The Canadian shipyard building the navy's new destroyers and the British defence contractor responsible for the basic design recently signed a collaboration contract, marking the next step forward in the multibillion-dollar program that the federal government has largely wrapped in secrecy. Much of the program's plans and costs remain shrouded in mystery and obfuscation — including precisely how much each of the first three warships will cost. Word of the agreement, between Halifax-based Irving Shipbuilding Inc. and BAE Systems Inc. of the United Kingdom, came in a British publication a little more than a week after the federal government revealed it had signed an $8-billion implementation contract with the shipyard to begin construction of the long-delayed replacements for the navy's Halifax-class frigates. The Department of National Defence and Public Services and Procurement Canada say the implementation contract with Irving is a down payment for the first three destroyers, a procurement which on its own is expected to cost taxpayers $22.2 billion. The navy is expecting to acquire 15 of the ultra-modern naval destroyers, the largest — in terms of dollars — military procurement in the country's history. Other allied nations, including the United States, Australia and the U.K., are more forthcoming about the costs associated with their warship construction. The data is publicly available. The Defence Department says there are other costs — ammunition and training — included in the overall $22.2-billion price tag, but officials refused to disclose a detailed breakdown. "At this point we have not specifically attributed a 'per-ship' cost for the delivery of Batch 1 ships, we have only attributed the cost to deliver all three ships," the Defence Department said in a statement. There's also no publicly available estimate for the second batch of three ships. Despite repeated requests for clarification from CBC News, neither federal department explained why the cost estimates were not being released. Experts say they must exist somewhere in the navy or the federal government, writ large. Part of the reluctance may relate to the fact that the final design for the warships is not completed, and not expected to be finished — and approved — until 2028. The federal government is essentially designing and building at the same time, using the British Type 26 hull design as the basis and completing the design as combat systems are added. But experts say there's more at play in the secrecy than simple design mechanics. Institutional paranoia As strange as it may sound, there are many political ghosts and an unhealthy dollop of institutional paranoia left over from the long-buried F-35 saga still lurking within the new destroyer program. The first attempt by the former Conservative government to acquire the Lockheed Martin-built stealth fighter floundered over political fights, as well as watchdog and public outrage over the enormous cost of the advanced warplane and the sense the figures were being deliberately lowballed. The solution to keep the destroyer program on the rails? Say as little as possible. Keep a tight lid on the numbers. And avoid public attention. Richard Shimooka, a defence expert at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, said federal officials need to grow up and start defending and explaining their decisions in public. "I think this, in some ways, represents the scars of the F-35, the first iteration of the F-35 program," Shimooka said. "Canadians deserve to be informed.… And it's now this kind of adversarial relationship that the department has with everybody, partly because, I think it's become politicized. We can't do anything to make the government look bad." Alan Williams, a former head of purchasing at the Defence Department, said he can't believe there's no per-ship cost estimate and that if he'd have presented an uncosted plan to a minister of the Crown, he would have been fired. And if they are proceeding without a per ship cost estimate, even a ballpark, it would represent a gross violation of taxpayers' trust, Williams added. Either way, he said, it doesn't look good. "They certainly bastardized the process," said Williams, who a couple of years ago published a warning that the warship cost projections were off and that the program was becoming unsustainable for the money that had been projected. He also tried and failed to get the per-warship cost estimate from federal officials under access-to-information legislation. WATCH | Defence minister announces construction of 15 warships: Defence minister marks start of new warship fleet construction 9 months ago Duration 3:53 Minister of Defence Bill Blair was in Halifax to announce the beginning of construction of the Canadian Surface Combatant fleet, 15 next-generation warships to replace the Royal Canadian Navy's destroyers and frigates. "We're talking about billions of dollars," Williams said. "It's tragic when you can't be open with the public. Let us know how our money is being spent." There is, Williams said, a fundamental lack of accountability. "You have to really wonder: Do these people, the people running these programs, not understand the fundamental procurement, openness, fairness, transparency, integrity of the service, integrity of the process?" he said. Dave Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and a procurement expert who has followed the program since its inception, says he's yet to see government ministers defend — let alone explain — the program to Parliament and the public, which is shocking given the cost. All of the experts say the $8-billion down payment announcement smacked of political message control. You would be forgiven for missing it because — as part of a time-honoured tradition and strategy of both departments — the milestone shipbuilding plan was buried in a Saturday press release on March 8, in a too-clever-by half communications strategy meant to deflect and limit scrutiny of the multibillion-dollar program. It's strange, given the pressure Canada is under from the Trump administration and other allies to meet NATO's two per cent defence spending commitment. You would think an $8-billion investment would be shouted from the rooftops. But government officials have a long history burying shipbuilding costs on holidays and weekends. Politically unpalatable price hikes to the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships program were slipped out between Christmas and New Year's in late 2022 and even the first iteration of the naval supply ship program was cancelled in 2008 late on an August Friday night just ahead of a federal election call. For a real estimate, look to allies Government watchdogs also have a fight on their hands when they look for numbers. In 2016, the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) fought a prolonged battle for shipbuilding data and the estimates on which the government bases its analysis of the program. At the moment, the only yardstick Canadians have to determine the cost of what they've been committed to comes from allies, the U.K. and Australia, which are building their variants of the Type 26. Last year, Australia was able to estimate that it will cost taxpayers in that country $4.1 billion to build each of their Hunter-class frigates. Similarly, in the U.K., the first frigates are being built under a $6.8-billion program with an average ship cost of $1.9 billion each. Several years ago, the Liberal government made a deliberate choice to go with the British Type 26 design because it was considered "off-the-shelf" and cheaper to build than a specific Canadian-made design.
Jordan Times
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Canadian warship in Taiwan Strait 'undermines peace', says China
This handout photo taken on October 20, 2024 shows the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins, foreground, and Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver, in background, sailing in the Taiwan Strait (AFP photo) BEIJING — A Canadian warship passing through the Taiwan Strait "undermines peace" in the sensitive waterway, China's military said Monday. Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from the Chinese mainland. The Canadian vessel passed through the strait on Sunday and was the first to do so this year, Taiwan's foreign ministry said, coming days after two US ships made the passage. Canada's actions "deliberately stir up trouble and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait", Li Xi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), said in a statement. The army had dispatched its naval and air forces to monitor and guard the passage of the ship, Li said, adding that the troops would "resolutely counter all threats and provocations". Taiwan's defence ministry hit back on Monday, saying China was the "greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait". The United States and its allies regularly pass through the 180-kilometre strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway, angering China. A US destroyer and an ocean survey ship travelled through the strait starting on February 10, drawing criticism from China's military, which said it sent the "wrong signal and increased security risks". Washington's latest passage through the strait was the first since US President Donald Trump took office in January. Taiwan's defence ministry, meanwhile, said it recorded 41 Chinese aircraft and nine warships near the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am on Monday. Communist China has never ruled Taiwan, but it claims the democratic island as part of its territory and has threatened to bring it under its control by force.
Al Jazeera
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Taiwan detects 24 Chinese military aircrafts near island
Taiwan has detected 24 Chinese military aircraft near the island as a Canadian warship passed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence says. The Chinese aircraft included fighter jets and drones and were spotted on Sunday carrying out 'joint combat readiness patrols' with military vessels around Taiwan, the ministry said in a statement. China's military radioed the Canadian frigate transiting through the Taiwan Strait and warned it to change course, Taiwan media reported. The Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa was the first Canadian naval vessel to transit the waterway this year, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Its transit came days after two United States ships, a naval destroyer and survey ship, made the passage. The US and its allies regularly pass through the 180km (112-mile) Taiwan Strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway, angering China. The US destroyer and ocean survey ship travelled through the strait starting on Monday, drawing criticism from China's military, which said it sent the 'wrong signal and increased security risks'. Data published by the Taiwan Defence Ministry showed 62 Chinese military aircraft were detected near the island in the 48 hours until 6am on Wednesday (22:00 GMT on Tuesday), coinciding with the US ships' transit. Washington's latest passage through the Taiwan Strait was the first time since US President Donald Trump took office in January. It came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said they 'opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo [in the Taiwan Strait] by force or coercion'. 'Cross-strait differences' to be resolved peacefully The US, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its strongest international backer and provides military aid to the island to help it maintain its defence capabilities. While Trump has unnerved Taiwan since taking office with criticism of Taiwan's dominance in making semiconductors, his administration has also offered strong words of support. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's claims of sovereignty over the island and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China. Beijing describes Taiwan as its 'core of core interests', regularly denouncing any show of support for Taipei from Washington. On Thursday, the US Department of State removed a statement on its website that said it does not support Taiwan's independence. A reference was also added to the webpage about Taiwan's cooperation with a Pentagon technology and semiconductor development project, and it says the US will support Taiwan's membership in international organisations 'where applicable'. 'We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side,' the updated State Department site reads. 'We expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, free from coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the [Taiwan] Strait.' Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung 'welcomed the support and positive stance on US-Taiwan relations demonstrated in the relevant content' of the website, his ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The changes in language were first reported by Taiwan's official Central News Agency on Sunday. The wording on Taiwan independence was also removed in 2022 before being restored a month later.
Al Jazeera
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Taiwan detects dozens of Chinese aircraft near island
Taiwan has detected 24 Chinese military aircraft near the island as a Canadian warship passed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence says. The Chinese aircraft included fighter jets and drones and were spotted on Sunday carrying out 'joint combat readiness patrols' with military vessels around Taiwan, the ministry said in a statement. China's military radioed the Canadian frigate transiting through the Taiwan Strait and warned it to change course, Taiwan media reported. The Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa was the first Canadian naval vessel to transit the waterway this year, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Its transit came days after two United States ships, a naval destroyer and survey ship, made the passage. The US and its allies regularly pass through the 180km (112-mile) Taiwan Strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway, angering China. The US destroyer and ocean survey ship travelled through the strait starting on Monday, drawing criticism from China's military, which said it sent the 'wrong signal and increased security risks'. Data published by the Taiwan Defence Ministry showed 62 Chinese military aircraft were detected near the island in the 48 hours until 6am on Wednesday (22:00 GMT on Tuesday), coinciding with the US ships' transit. Washington's latest passage through the Taiwan Strait was the first time since US President Donald Trump took office in January. It came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said they 'opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo [in the Taiwan Strait] by force or coercion'. 'Cross-strait differences' to be resolved peacefully The US, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its strongest international backer and provides military aid to the island to help it maintain its defence capabilities. While Trump has unnerved Taiwan since taking office with criticism of Taiwan's dominance in making semiconductors, his administration has also offered strong words of support. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's claims of sovereignty over the island and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China. Beijing describes Taiwan as its 'core of core interests', regularly denouncing any show of support for Taipei from Washington. On Thursday, the US Department of State removed a statement on its website that said it does not support Taiwan's independence. A reference was also added to the webpage about Taiwan's cooperation with a Pentagon technology and semiconductor development project, and it says the US will support Taiwan's membership in international organisations 'where applicable'. 'We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side,' the updated State Department site reads. 'We expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, free from coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the [Taiwan] Strait.' Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung 'welcomed the support and positive stance on US-Taiwan relations demonstrated in the relevant content' of the website, his ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The changes in language were first reported by Taiwan's official Central News Agency on Sunday. The wording on Taiwan independence was also removed in 2022 before being restored a month later.
Arab News
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Taiwan detects 24 Chinese aircraft as Canadian ship transits waters
TAIPEI: Taiwan said it detected 24 Chinese military aircraft near the island on Sunday as a Canadian warship passed through the sensitive Taiwan was the first Canadian naval vessel to transit the waterway this year, Taiwan's foreign ministry said, and came days after two US ships made the United States and its allies regularly pass through the 180-kilometer (112-mile) Taiwan Strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway, angering has never ruled Taiwan, but it claims the democratic island as part of its territory and has threatened to bring it under its control by force.'The Royal Canadian Navy's Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa sailed through the Taiwan Strait on February 16,' Taiwan's foreign ministry said in a statement.'Canada has once again taken concrete action to uphold the Taiwan Strait's freedom, peace and openness, demonstrating its firm stance that the strait is international waters,' it defense ministry said on Sunday that 24 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, were detected carrying 'joint combat readiness patrols' with military vessels around the the Canadian warship's passage, China's military radioed the ship and warned it to change course, Taiwanese media reported.A US destroyer and an ocean survey ship traveled through the strait starting on February 10, drawing criticism from China's military, which said it sent the 'wrong signal and increased security risks.'Data published by the Taiwan defense ministry showed 62 Chinese military aircraft were detected near the island in the 48 hours to 6:00 am local time on Wednesday, coinciding with the US ships' latest passage through the Taiwan Strait was the first time since US President Donald Trump took office in came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said they 'opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo (in the Taiwan Strait) by force or coercion.'
