The DDGH(A) and the Perils of Designing Warships from a Map Table

By Ted Barnes, 10 June 2026

The latest issue of CNR presents retired Major Les Mader's proposal for a DDGH(A), an Arctic destroyer intended to combine the combat power of the future River-class destroyers with the ice capabilities required for sustained Arctic operations. On the surface, it is an appealing concept. Canada faces growing strategic competition in the North, longer navigation seasons, and increasing demands to demonstrate sovereignty. However, the article ultimately reads less like a naval capability study and more like a land warfare solution applied to a maritime problem. While military experience should always be valued, there is a significant difference between understanding strategy and understanding the realities of designing, building and operating warships.

The central weakness of the proposal is that it attempts to solve every perceived naval challenge with a single platform. The DDGH(A) would carry destroyer level combat systems, substantial missile inventories, helicopters, unmanned systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, Arctic endurance and meaningful icebreaking capability, all while maintaining the performance expected of a modern combatant. To a sailor, the immediate question is simple...what gets sacrificed? Every additional capability adds weight, complexity, cost, maintenance requirements and design compromises. Naval architecture is a constant exercise in balancing competing demands. The article largely assumes these trade offs can be overcome without significant consequences.

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Current Issue: Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)

And, of course, we have our usual Making Waves commentaries. In response to enthusiastic discussion on Broadsides (our online discussion forum), we have a commentary about whether geography is destiny for Canada – i.e., as a small (in terms of population) country next door to the United States, does Canada have options for defence? There’s a commentary asking if naval art is dead, a commentary about naval capabilities for the Arctic, and a commentary about how the RCN can make the navy more visible to Canadians.

And, of course, we have our regular columns. “A View from the West” looks at whether China is indeed capable of/intending to invade Taiwan in 2027. “Dollars and Sense” examines the Defence Industrial Strategy, and “Warship Developments” updates us on recent naval developments.  

Naturally, we have our usual amazing photos!

Stay tuned. In a few weeks, the issue will be in the mailbox of people who are lucky enough to be subscribers! It’s not too late for you to subscribe. See here for the Table of Contents.

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