RCN frigates in TGX

NAC Briefing Note: The RCN and Interoperability

9 March 2021

Canada is a medium-sized country – not in geographic size but in size of its economy and population – with a medium-sized navy. As such, the RCN has always worked with other navies, and favoured participating in multilateral operations. This is partly from necessity and partly from choice. How can Canada reconcile its desire to be active internationally with its limited naval capability? This question underpins the notion of naval interoperability. In the Cold War, it was necessary for NATO to adopt some measures of standardization and compatibility of equipment and doctrine. And because the US military was by far the largest actor, standardization and compatibility often drew Canada toward US capabilities and technology – and increasing interoperability. Being interoperable does not mean that states have to have the exact same military equipment; it means is that the military forces are able to interact, connect, communicate and exchange data and services with other members. What else does it mean? Glad you asked. You should read the Naval Association of Canada Briefing Note, available at bn36-interoperability.pdf (navalassoc.ca)

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