The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company set to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders. This move could impact Canada, particularly as the navy contemplates incorporating corvettes into its fleet. Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s recent partnership with Spain’s Navantia S.A., exploring joint naval projects and potentially producing TKMS submarine designs in Spain.
Burkhard stressed the importance of shipbuilders working together amidst the rising demand for warship construction, with market trends showing a steady increase in demand. The Canadian navy is already engaged in the construction of River-Class destroyers and has expressed interest in acquiring smaller, more cost-effective corvettes capable of operating in icy conditions.
With Canada lacking modern submarine construction capabilities, the planned 12 submarines will be built in Germany. Burkhard, ahead of his visit to Ottawa, mentioned ongoing discussions with partners involved in supplying Canada’s submarine program. TKMS has been named the preferred supplier for the navy’s submarines, with hopes of finalizing the contract by the end of 2027.
Additionally, there have been talks about potentially supplying TKMS’s MEKO A-100 corvette design to a Canadian shipyard, although this concept has not been integrated into the submarine bid yet. Burkhard mentioned the possibility of manufacturing the corvettes in Canada using TKMS’s design, emphasizing the readiness for such discussions.
The Canadian navy’s identification of the need for corvettes aligns with the ongoing assessment of the role and capabilities of these warships. Experts emphasize the importance of focusing on military necessity rather than economic benefits when considering defense procurement needs. The idea of closer collaboration among European shipyards, particularly in submarine construction, has been well-received, with historical examples like the creation of Airbus in the aerospace industry serving as a model for potential industry-led initiatives.
While the prospect of establishing a maritime version of Airbus presents challenges, Burkhard suggests that industry players could drive this initiative, potentially overcoming political barriers. The necessity for enhanced partnerships among European defense companies has been underscored by research organizations, emphasizing the importance of increased cooperation in the defense sector.
