operations increases in the modern threat environment, the Navy will continue to pursue interoperability with allied capabilities. This will ensure that Canada’s fleet can work seamlessly with allies and is positioned to directly leverage these capabilities, increasing its own effectiveness and bolstering credible joint and allied action. With new investment, Canada’s Navy will be capable of meeting the anticipated defence and security challenges of the coming decades. Principal among the challenges at home is the need to operate in the Arctic, alongside the Canadian Coast Guard, and alongside allied partners. A NAVAL TASK GROUP The Naval Task Group is the core Royal Canadian Navy operating concept. Composed of up to four surface combatants and a joint support ship, and supplemented where warranted by a submarine, it brings with it the full breadth of combat capability, force enablers, specialized teams, maritime helicopters, and remotely piloted systems. Configured and crewed to provide its own command and control, a Naval Task Group can lead allied or coalition forces for sustained periods, anywhere in the world. With the Naval Task Group at its core, the Royal Canadian Navy will be structured to sustain a major international operation, while retaining sufficient combatant capacity for minor operations and/or response to maritime security taskings at home. In addition, the Royal Canadian Navy will have the capacity to maintain a routine presence in Canada’s three oceans and contribute to operations in support of North American security, including in the Caribbean. The fleet size of 15 Canadian Surface Combatants, complemented by two Joint Support Ships, and four Victoria-class submarines provides the necessary fleet mix and capacity to deploy forces responsively, prepare follow-on forces effectively, and conduct maintenance efficiently. Key to this is the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) project, which is part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and involves the delivery of five to six ice-capable ships to the Royal Canadian Navy. AOPS will provide armed, sea-borne surveillance of Canadian waters, including in the Arctic. They will enforce sovereignty, cooperating with partners, at home and abroad, and will provide the Government of Canada with awareness of activities in Canada’s waters. Beyond Canada’s shores, the capability to undertake peace operations, including effectively rendering humanitarian assistance and relieving distress, will be a requirement for the Royal Canadian Navy. Canada’s naval forces will also be positioned to contribute meaningfully to joint action ashore and support the sustainment of joint operations from sea, while preserving the ability to defend its own freedom of action through naval combat operations. The multi-purpose nature and versatility of this fleet, both independently and as part of an allied or coalition Task Force, allows Canada to rapidly deploy credible naval forces worldwide, on short notice. INVESTMENTS IN THE ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY 29. Recapitalize the surface fleet through investments in 15 Canadian Surface Combatants and two Joint Support Ships. 30. Acquire five to six Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships. 31. Operate and modernize the four Victoria-class submarines. 32. Acquire new or enhanced naval intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, upgraded armament, and additional systems for current and future platforms allowing for more effective offensive and defensive naval capabilities. 33. Upgrade lightweight torpedoes carried by surface ships, maritime helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. 35