Glimpse at the warring vested interests
Independent evaluation left out of budget watchdog review
It was written last year under contract by two experts at the Conference of Defence Associations Institute and meant to form part of the budget officer's overall report on the joint support ship plan.
In the end, however, it was left out because senior, retired naval commanders disagreed with the recommendations.
The dispute provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the warring vested interests — both political and military — and draws into sharp focus how industrial policy often trumps military requirements and capability needs.
The independent evaluation, penned by retired colonel George Petrolekas and defence analyst Dave Perry, recommended buying a French Mistral-class landing ship and converting at least two civilian-grade tankers into refuelling vessels.
Not only would that provide the navy with greater capability and flexibility, it would be cheaper than the current $2.9 billion plan, the analysts argued.
The "mixed-fleet package is the only means of providing both the joint capabilities and the replenishment capabilities at a speed of 20 knots, within the budget envelope," said the draft report, a copy of which was obtained by The Canadian Press.
"We believe that this is the only option worthy of detailed scrutiny by the PBO that could provide the capabilities envisioned in the 2006 (statement of requirements)."