Canada will buy 12 submarines

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection of Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the supplier of 12 new submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. The multi-billion dollar contract for Type 212CD submarines will be the largest military procurement in Canadian history. The agreement is expected to involve joint efforts in repairs and maintenance, training, and operations.

„In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, Canada must be ready to defend our interests, protect our citizens, grow our economy, and secure our future. To this end, we are implementing the largest defense procurement program in our country’s history, driven by speed, ambition, and discipline,” said Carney, as quoted by the BBC.

Monday’s announcement regarding the selection of the German-Norwegian bid is good news for the country with the longest coastline in the world. Canada is currently said to be suffering from a limited number of seaworthy vessels. The new submarines – conventionally powered – will be capable of under-ice operations, which is particularly significant given the growing geopolitical importance of the Arctic.

Carney’s decision also carries symbolic weight. The announcement of the chosen manufacturer for Canada’s new submarines took place one day before the NATO summit in Ankara. The news of the intent to move forward with these strategic acquisitions (with the government likely to sign the final contract with TKMS within the next few months) is a signal that Ottawa is serious about meeting the objectives established during the alliance summit in The Hague in 2025.