Should the Canadian government choose the offer from German naval shipbuilder TKMS for the procurement of up to twelve new submarines, the company intends to deliver four Type 212 CD submarines to the Canadian Navy by 2036, the German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius explained in an interview with CBC News on Wednesday.
By Lars Hoffman / Hartpunkt
To achieve this, Norway and Germany would withdraw their delivery plans for one Type 212CD submarine each, so that these could be delivered to Canada, the minister said. He sees no problem for his own navy, as this would strengthen capabilities within NATO. Oslo and Berlin plan to cooperate closely with Canada militarily in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. Pistorius expressed his confidence that TKMS will honor its delivery commitment. “They only promise what they can deliver,” the minister said. He added that he has had only positive experiences with them so far.
Norway and Germany, which jointly intend to procure 12 identical Type 212CD submarines from TKMS, have submitted a joint bid to Canada for this class of vessel, which also includes elements of comprehensive military and economic cooperation. TKMS is competing with Hanwha of South Korea. The South Korean company also enjoys strong support from its own government and industry. According to press reports, Hanwha had already proposed last year to deliver four KSS-III class submarines to Canada by 2035. The Canadian Navy urgently needs new submarines to decommission its aging Victoria-class vessels.
With a view to a comprehensive partnership, TKMS and the Canadian Navy CAE signed a further agreement this week to develop global expertise and technologies in the field of maritime excellence. Building on the cooperation agreement the two companies signed earlier this year to jointly implement the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), this expanded collaboration represents a concrete step toward further supporting the Royal Canadian Navy and global allies with advanced training and operational readiness capabilities, CAE writes in a press release.
According to CAE, the expanded collaboration combines TKMS’ proven expertise in submarine design and construction with CAE’s leadership in training, simulation and mission system support, thereby advancing Canada’s “Build-Partner-Buy” framework and strengthening domestic capabilities.
This article by Lars Hoffman was originally published in German language at hartpunkt.de. It has been translated and republished with authorization.
