Canada has selected thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the German-Norwegian Type 212CD programme as preferred supplier in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The decision means the country will enter negotiations to acquire up to twelve submarines of the same type as Norway and Germany, in what the Canadian government describes as the largest defence procurement in the country's history.
According to a press release from the Canadian government, the new submarines will replace the ageing Victoria-class and strengthen the Royal Canadian Navy's ability to conduct Arctic patrols, underwater surveillance, and special forces operations. The government plans to conclude contract negotiations by the end of 2027, with delivery of the first four submarines from 2034. If negotiations with TKMS do not result in an agreement, South Korea's Hanwha Ocean may be considered as an alternative supplier.
"In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada must be prepared to defend our interests, protect our citizens, and secure our future. That is why we are conducting the largest defence procurement in our history with speed, ambition, and discipline," said Prime Minister Mark Carney in the press release.
In a press release from TKMS, the decision is described as the largest single contract in the company's history. The company states that the order, if completed, would increase its current order backlog by more than 50 per cent, and that the first Canadian submarine could be delivered as early as 2033.
"CPSP is more than a procurement programme. It is the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between trusted allies. Together with Canada, we are taking the next step as NATO partners, built on trust, shared values, and a common commitment to defence," said TKMS Chief Executive Officer Oliver Burkhard in the company's press release.
The Norwegian government highlights that Canada's accession means Norway, Germany, and Canada will ultimately operate up to 24 identical submarines. A shared platform is expected, according to the government, to deliver increased interoperability, more efficient training, and lower costs for operation and maintenance.
"Together with Canada and Germany, we can achieve NATO's largest conventional fleet of modern and identical submarines. This will strengthen both our own and NATO's collective ability to monitor and control the sea areas in the north," said Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
The Norwegian government also highlights that the decision is expected to create new opportunities for Norwegian defence industry, with several companies already supplying equipment to the Norwegian and German Type 212CD submarines and now potentially becoming part of the Canadian deliveries as well.
"This is an important milestone for the 212CD programme and for the industrial cooperation between Canada, Norway, and Germany. Kongsberg has world-leading experience in combat management systems spanning several decades, and we look forward to contributing further to a programme that strengthens allied underwater capability," said Kongsberg Chief Executive Officer Eirik Lie in a statement from the company.
According to the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell), Canada's accession represents more than simply adding another user to the programme.
"Canada will bring a new dimension to the cooperation. When more allies invest in the same platform, we are not only building national capabilities, but a shared operational capability. This provides better resource utilisation, stronger centres of expertise, and increased sustainability throughout the submarines' entire service life," said Gro Jære, Director General of Forsvarsmateriell, in the agency's press release.
Nordic Defence Sector reported in February that the Norwegian government ordered two additional submarines from TKMS, which will bring their total number to six.