**OVERVIEW:** The 876 *Victoria* [Upholder Class] is a diesel-electric submarine currently in service with the Royal Canadian Navy. Acquired from the United Kingdom, these submarines significantly enhance Canada's underwater warfare capabilities.

**DETAILS:**
The Upholder class, originally designed for the Royal Navy during the Cold War, represents a conventional submarine optimized for quiet operation and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in littoral environments. The design emphasizes stealth and endurance, incorporating advanced noise reduction techniques and a streamlined hull form. The *Victoria* and her sister submarines were intended to replace the aging Oberon-class submarines in Canadian service, providing a modern and capable underwater platform. The acquisition of these submarines represented a significant investment in Canada's maritime defense capabilities, despite initial challenges associated with integration and operational readiness. The Upholder design philosophy prioritizes acoustic performance and sensor integration to maximize effectiveness in ASW and intelligence gathering roles.

The primary role of the *Victoria* is ASW, conducted both independently and as part of larger naval task groups. The submarine is also capable of anti-surface warfare (ASuW) using its torpedo armament and can conduct covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The Type 2041 Passive Ranging Sonar (PRS) provides long-range detection and localization of underwater targets. The integration of the Thales Underwater Systems Type 2040 suite, consisting of the DSUV 2H towed array and the DUUA 2D hull-mounted array, significantly expands the submarine's passive detection range and bearing accuracy, crucial for tracking quiet diesel-electric submarines. The Type 2019 DUUG 2 active sonar provides close-range detection and target classification capabilities. Surface navigation and situational awareness are aided by the Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 navigation radar and CA/ULR-501 Seasearch II radar.

The *Victoria*'s capabilities are further enhanced by the SUBTASS (Submarine Towed Array Sonar System), providing long-range passive detection in deeper waters. The Type 2046 towed array processor allows for detailed analysis of acoustic signatures, enabling identification and tracking of various underwater threats. The CK035 / CH085 periscope suite offers both visual and electronic surveillance capabilities, with enhanced low-light performance and image intensification. These sensors, coupled with the submarine's quiet operation, make the *Victoria* a formidable asset for underwater surveillance and ASW operations. The six 533mm torpedo tubes allow for the deployment of a variety of modern torpedoes and other underwater payloads.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 70.3 m || Beam: 7.6 m || Draft: 5.5 m || Disp: 2168 t

**SENSORS:** Type 2041 [PRS] || Type 2040 [DSUV 2H + DUUA 2D] || Type 2019 [DUUG 2] || Type 1007 || SUBTASS || Type 2046 || CA/ULR-501 Seasearch II || CK035 / CH085 Periscope Suite

**ARMAMENT:** Signal Ejector || 533mm TT