Canada’s submarine future hinges on one thing most people never see: the sprawling sustainment machine that keeps a fleet safe, available, and operational.
Tony March, CEO of Babcock Canada, explains why the Victoria-class contract extension matters, what it takes to keep aging submarines mission-ready, and how Canada can avoid losing momentum as it transitions to a new generation of boats.
March brings a rare perspective to the conversation. After 21 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, including submarine and engineering roles, he now leads the company that has spent more than 18 years supporting the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine sustainment mission.
CONVERSATIONS WITH VANGUARD DEFENCE
Babcock CEO Tony March
That experience shapes a candid discussion about what’s working, what’s hard, and what must happen next.You'll discover:
How Babcock Canadianized a UK-designed submarine supply chain into a sovereign network of 450+ suppliers
Why complex repairs, fire damage, collision damage, and major refit work are part of the real submarine sustainment challenge
What the 20-plus months of improved schedule adherence on HMCS Victoria really signals
Why transition planning matters as Canada moves from Victoria class to the future Type 212CD fleet
How engineering, training, logistics, digital tools, and project management all have to work together to create availability
Steve Ladurantaye asks Tony about the bigger strategic questions too: what Canada’s decision to select TKMS means, how industry collaboration will shape the next sustainment model, and why the future of submarine readiness depends on much more than maintenance crews and dock time.
March also breaks down how Babcock is working with Canadian small and medium businesses on AI-enabled maintenance optimization and digital twin technology, including partnerships with Ottawa-based Laris and Modest Tree.
If you care about Canadian defense, submarine capability, industrial sovereignty, or the hidden complexity behind keeping some of the world’s most demanding platforms at sea, this conversation makes the stakes clear.
Essential listening for anyone following Canada’s submarine recapitalization and the race to build long-term readiness without dropping the baton.
