Canadian experts raise doubts about "Arctic proven" future submarines

Lajeunesse remarked that the submarines may be deployed to patrol northern chokepoints, performing surveillance only along critical areas rather than all across the Arctic.

Rob Huebert, an Arctic security expert at the University of Calgary, gave a similar observation, saying that deployment at a chokepoint would enable Canada to block an attempt by a Russian or Chinese submarine to enter those same waters.

However, he said it is uncertain whether a diesel-electric submarine would possess the endurance necessary for pursuing an adversary through ice-covered waters.

Retired RCN Captain Norman Jolin, whose 37 years of service also included stints aboard Canadian and British submarines, criticised TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard's claim that the boats to be built for Canada are "Arctic proven."