The Royal Alberta United Services Institute

How many replenishment ships does Canada need?

As discussion continues about the future of MV Asterix and the Royal Canadian Navy’s replenishment capabilities, broader questions remain about fleet sustainment, operational reach, and Canada’s ability to support naval operations across the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific.

In a new analysis article, Cdr(N) Colin Darlington, RCN (Ret’d), Director of the Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia, examines the arguments surrounding Asterix, the Joint Support Ship program, and the implications of maintaining only two replenishment vessels.

As Colin notes, “Four replenishment oilers would better support global deployments and long-endurance operations in Canada’s three oceans.”

Read Colin's full analysis: rausi.ca/news/analysis/847-retain-mv-asterix

Three Kings (1999) is a movie set in the aftermath of the First Gulf War. The plot, loosely based on Kelly’s Heroes (1970), concerns three American soldiers who set out to steal gold that Sadaam Hussein had previously stolen from Kuwait. They secure the gold, but things soon go awry, causing George Clooney's character to explain to the younger soldiers that necessity is the most important thing in life: “People do what is most necessary to them at a given moment”.

Although necessity is not generally recognized as a principle of international relations, it is a good test of national policy. Before committing blood and treasure to an enterprise, leaders should first decide whether their desired plan passes the test of necessity.

Three recent examples show how a mistaken belief in necessity leads countries astray.

Was it necessary for Russia to invade Ukraine? Putin seems to have thought so, but his invasion plan has failed and may have weakened Russia permanently.

Was it necessary for the United States to start a war with Iran? Trump and at least some of his cronies seem to think so, but the war with Iran has depleted US missile stocks, exposed weaknesses in tactics and equipment, and stressed the NATO.

Was it necessary for Hamas to attack Israel on 07 October? Sinwar believed so, and it may be that his intention was to derail the Abraham Accords and prevent normalization between Isreal and Saudi Arabia, but the consequences have been the destruction of Gaza and most of Hamas’ fighting capability.

In any of these cases, did the leaders or their advisors ever stop to ask: is this necessary?

Necessity can be a powerful motivator. Sun-Tzu advised against surrounding an opponent, instead writing about a golden bridge over which your enemy can retreat. Looking at the three examples above from the perspective of the other side, we can see how necessity plays into their calculations.

The Ukrainians see defeating Russia as necessary for the survival of their nation; Iranians see possessing a nuclear weapon as necessary to their survival; Israelis see Israel as necessary for the protection of Jews worldwide. While these arguments are not conclusive, they seem to be more aligned with reality than the cases made by Russia, the United States, or Hamas.

Arguments from necessity help generate cohesion across society: if most of the people in a country agree on the necessity for a course of action, they will bear tremendous hardships.

The other side of this argument is that an unnecessary war is often a good distraction from the inability of those in power to govern effectively.

~ The Realist

💬 If we apply this framework to Canada, we can ask ourselves: what is necessary for Canada? What are the measures we must take to ensure our survival as a nation, and what are distractions?

Following yesterday’s AGM, RAUSI would like to thank all those who volunteer their time, experience, and leadership in support of our mission.

Thank you to departing Board members Stewart Campbell, Candy P**n, and Dave Sweeney for their service and contributions over the past two years. Volunteer organizations depend on people willing to step forward, contribute thoughtfully, and help carry the work forward — and we very are grateful for their efforts.

We also thank those continuing in their roles for another year, providing continuity, experience, and steady leadership as RAUSI continues to grow its programming, events, and outreach.

Finally, welcome to new Directors Adam Frost and Tom St. Denis as they join the Board for the 2026/27 term. We look forward to the perspectives and energy they will bring to the organization.

2026/27 RAUSI Board:
Joe Howard, President
Karen Storwick, Vice President
Kent Griffiths, Past President
Deanna Manson, Secretary
Nancy Umole, Treasurer
Adam Frost, Director
Quentin Innis, Director
Fred Maurette, Director
Greg Mitchell, Director
Tom St. Denis, Director

RAUSI remains United Through Service — strengthened by the volunteers, members, speakers, contributors, and community who continue to support informed discussion on security, defence, and international affairs.

The Royal Alberta United Services Institute Annual General Meeting will take place on today, 28 May 2026 at 1900 hrs Mountain Time via Zoom.

The AGM is an important opportunity to participate in the governance and future direction of RAUSI.

Please check your email for full AGM details.

Economic strength is no longer just a business issue. It is a national security issue.

▶️ RAUSI's latest video, Capital, Competition, and Canada: Economic Strength as a Vital National Interest is now available.

Featuring François Poirier (@1598613630410917) and Peter Tchir (Academy Securities), this timely discussion explores how capital, competitiveness, infrastructure, regulation, and global market dynamics shape Canada’s ability to act independently in an increasingly uncertain world.

From investment incentives and innovation to energy security and talent retention, this is a candid conversation about what Canada needs to compete—and why it matters.

Watch now: rausi.ca/capital-competition-and-canada

Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Join RAUSI.

For generations, Canadians in uniform and engaged citizens have contributed to informed defence dialogue.

Today, RAUSI continues that work through expert speakers, timely analysis, and meaningful conversations about Canada’s security challenges.

Your membership helps sustain that mission—and strengthens a community committed to service.

Members also have a voice in RAUSI’s future, including voting rights at the upcoming AGM.

Visit rausi.ca/join for more details.

Calgary Salutes’ Barn Burner offers an excellent opportunity for RAUSI members and friends to meet the Command Team and members of the ship’s company from HMCS Calgary.

Whether you have a professional interest in the Royal Canadian Navy, support Canada’s military community, or simply enjoy a great evening with a strong local cause, this is a worthwhile event to consider.

🎟️ Tickets tend to go quickly, so don’t wait if you’d like to attend.

Hosted by our friends at Calgary Salutes. Details and tickets here: https://www.calgarysalutes.ca/events/barn-burner

Thank you to François Poirier and Peter Tchir for a timely and thought-provoking RMCSD discussion tonight.

From infrastructure and investment confidence to capital flows, competitiveness, and strategic resilience, "Capital, Competition, and Canada" explored how economic strength shapes Canada’s choices in a changing world.

A recurring theme was whether Canada has the urgency, confidence, and strategic clarity needed to compete effectively in an era of shifting alliances and global uncertainty.

Thank you as well to everyone who joined us live and contributed thoughtful questions.

Missed it? The video is now heading into editing. Watch for release next week.

RAUSI members: today is the deadline for nominations.

Per RAUSI Bylaw 23(a), any two members in good standing may nominate a member in good standing for the position of President, Vice President, or Director.

Nominations must be submitted today, 21 May 2026, to RAUSI Secretary Deanna Manson.

The RAUSI Annual General Meeting will take place:

Thursday, 28 May 2026
1900 hrs Mountain Time | via Zoom

The AGM is an opportunity to participate in the governance and future direction of RAUSI.

Please refer to the AGM notice in your email for full details.

Tonight: RMCSD continues its Vital National Interests series with a timely discussion on economic strength, competitiveness, and Canada’s ability to act independently in a changing world.

We’re pleased to welcome François Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Energy, and Peter Tchir, Head of Macro Strategy at Academy Securities, for a fireside conversation examining how competitiveness, infrastructure, investment, capital flows, and global markets shape Canada’s long-term strategic capacity.

Capital, Competition, and Canada
Economic Strength as a Vital National Interest

TONIGHT - Wednesday, 20 May 2026
1900 hours (Mountain) via Zoom
(1800 PST / 2100 EST / 0300 CET 21 May)

Free and open to all – registration required to attend.

🎟 Registration: rausi.ca/capital-competition-and-canada