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CANSOFCOM "looking at" mini-subs?

The Bread Guy

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Special forces in both Canada and the United States are taking a close look at Canadian-made mini-submarines for the murky world of covert operations.

The cutting-edge subs, some of which are built in Canada, are seen by some in the U.S. Special Forces community as essential for specialized top-secret operations against threats such as al-Qaida in coastal countries.

One defence source in Washington, who spoke on background, said the U.S. Navy has been impressed with the submarine rescue system it purchased a few years ago from B.C.-based International Submarine Engineering, which also sells 7.6 metre submersibles capable of carrying a handful of soldiers.

The elite, secretive U.S. Special Forces is interested and also believes the subs would "be an ideal fit" for their Canadian counterparts, said the source, who was not authorized to speak publicly.

No program has been requested or planned, however, said Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, the commander of Canada's special forces.

"It is an area of interest," Thompson said in an interview with The Canadian Press. "It is potentially another tool for the toolbox."

Domestic concerns and the safety of the highly trained soldiers were some of the reasons Thompson asked staff to examine the boats in the spring of last year.

Rather than operating in waters far from home, the military is concerned about missions in the three cold oceans that border Canada.

"Given the condition of the sea water that surrounds Canada, once you put a diver in the water, he really can, depending on the temperature of the water, only be effective for so long," said Thompson.

"It's all about stealth and extending the time you can leave a guy submerged — and by submerged, I mean hidden, depending on what the mission set is." ....
The Canadian Press, 9 Oct 12
 
Would be an interesting slot for a sailor to participate in.  I'm sure there'll be interest in that too.
 
The subs aren't cheap: each one — some of them currently operate as underwater tour boats with up to 20 available seats — carries a price tag of $5 million.

Read it on Global News: Global Toronto | Under cover, underwater: Special forces in Canada, U.S. eyeing mini-subs

From the CP link provided by Tony to the Murray Brewster article.

Makes you wonder what Murray and his ilk DO consider cheap.  :not-again:

5 MCAD will barely buy you a decent APC these days let alone a submarine.  Although with 20 Pax (8 to 10 with kit) this is effectively an SPC (Submersible Personnel Carrier).
 
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