Joint Support Ship underfunded
Canada’s aging PROTECTEUR class replenishment vessels may yet be in service longer than expected, according to the Ottawa Citizen, which is reporting that there is a funding shortfall for the vessels’ replacement, the Joint Support Ship. The new vessels form an integral part of the Government’s Canada First Defence Strategy.
Dating back to 2004, under the name of the Afloat Logistics Sealift Capability project, the Joint Support Ship Programme has been funded by the federal government for $2.9 billion ($2.1 billion for the ships and $800 million for a 20-year support contract). That amount, however, is not enough to purchase the three multi-role replenishment vessels and the Department of National Defence is petitioning the Treasury Board for additional funds. In fact, the $2.9 billion allocated to date is believed to be just enough to purchase two of the vessels (which is a less than ideal situation given that a third vessel is often used to provide a “swing” capability while one of the other vessels is in dry dock).
A major force behind the funding shortfall is reported to be the multi-role aspect of the Joint Support Ship, which will be designed to provide not only at-sea replenishment for the Navy, but also to work sealift duties for the Army. It will also be configured to act as a Joint Task Force Headquarters (JTFHQ) for missions ashore, as well as provide the equivalent of a small hospital (among other facilities).
The first Joint Support Ship is due to be delivered in 2012.
