The RCN’s ‘Other’ Experiences with Corvettes: A Short Recap

By Dan Middlemiss, 5 July 2025

There has been a flurry of interest of late in the prospect of the navy acquiring corvette-sized warships to augment the currently planned RCN fleet.

However, we should not forget that the RCN on several occasions has examined this option before. Here are a few brief highlights of DND’s consideration of corvettes in its force planning from the 1970s and later.

The Cases

In a 25 January 1974 ship design study, “CF Report on Surface Warship Study,” DGMEM/DMEM 5 (PD) October 1973-January 1974, one option reviewed was based on a 1,500 ton corvette design.

The federal Cabinet had directed DND to “take into account the possible advantages of smaller ships more suitable and economical for use as back up for fisheries enforcement.” However, further studies subsequently ruled out an armed patrol ship, despite Cabinet’s insistence that the option be examined. Why? Smaller ships for sovereignty purposes (‘sovereignty ships’) could not carry out the priority NATO roles and missions.

17 July 1980 Memorandum to the Minister DND from the CDS and the DM DND, “Future Ship Study – Follow-On Options to the Canadian Patrol Frigate,” with an attached “Future Ship Study - CPF Follow-On Options,” 6 June 1980. A synopsis was later publicly released in the House of Commons, Standing Committee on External Affairs and National Defence, No. 31, Appendix ‘EAND-20,’ 19 March 1981. The study reaffirmed earlier findings that “ships require a minimum displacement of 3,000 tons, a sustained speed of 25 knots in Sea State 5 and an endurance of 4,500 nautical miles to meet the sea keeping, mobility and flexibility and capability requirements. Only the CPF will be capable of meeting these capability requirements.”

We should note that the Canadian Senate also considered the possibility of smaller vessels, although these were less capable than corvette-sized ships. In its May 1983 Senate Report on Canada’s Maritime Defence, the Senate recommended adding 12 missile-equipped, fast patrol boats to the RCN and provided the following rationale:

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Preview: Canadian Naval Review Vol. 21 No. 1

Our second article, “International Alternatives for the Canadian Multi-Mission Corvette Program,” fits very nicely with the first article. It outlines what Canada’s European allies are building and how they are incorporating corvettes in their navies. In the final long piece, we have an interview with Richard Mills of Cellula Robotics. In this very interesting interview, we find out about uncrewed underwater vehicles and their development and utility – and the future of them.

We can’t possibly mention everything in this preview – we can just mention a few other pieces. We have Making Waves commentaries about the Sea Cadets, about using simulations and technology for training, suggestions about RCN fleet composition, and a brief discussion of the Chinese navy. We also have a piece entitled “Nine Things for a Canadian Sailor to Know Before Deploying to the Indo-Pacific.” And, in case you’re wondering, no CNR issue would be complete in this strange new world without a discussion of the changed relationship between Canada and the United States.    

       Naturally there are book reviews and stunning photos to illustrate everything! You will not be able to put this issue down once you start reading! See the Table of Contents here.

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