The chief of the German firm slated to construct Canada’s new submarines is advocating for enhanced collaboration among European shipbuilders — a move that could impact Canada as it contemplates incorporating corvettes into its naval fleet. Oliver Burkhard, the CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), underscored his company’s recent partnership with Spain’s Navantia S.A. The two entities are exploring potential joint projects, including the production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s shipyards in Spain. Burkhard emphasized the necessity for shipbuilders to work together.
Pointing to the rising demand for warship construction, Burkhard noted a shift in the market dynamics, with increased financial resources but limited time. A recent report by Imarc projected a more than five percent growth in demand over the next decade. Aside from submarines, the Canadian navy is progressing with the construction of the River-Class destroyers and has indicated a requirement for smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes. The destroyers are under construction at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax as part of the National Shipbuilding Program.
As Canada lacks contemporary submarine construction expertise, the planned 12 submarines will be manufactured in Germany. Burkhard expressed his views before heading to Ottawa for meetings with firms collaborating with TKMS on Canada’s submarine initiative. Last month, the Carney government announced TKMS as the preferred supplier for the navy’s submarines and aims to finalize a contract with the German shipbuilder by the end of 2027.
In the lead-up to TKMS’s selection, there were discussions about potentially supplying the MEKO A-100 corvette design to a Canadian shipyard to enhance the country’s defense-industrial capability. While this idea was not included in the submarine bid, it was under consideration. Burkhard mentioned the possibility of exporting the MEKO A-100 package to be constructed in Canada. The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes last year and has been assessing the role and capabilities of such a warship.
Furthermore, Burkhard highlighted the necessity for closer cooperation among European shipyards, especially in submarine construction. He drew a parallel between the current shipbuilding market conditions and the formation of Airbus in the 1960s. The prospect of a maritime equivalent of Airbus was acknowledged as a complex endeavor, but Burkhard suggested that the industry could spearhead such an initiative. The imperative for stronger partnerships among European defense companies was underscored in a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) three years ago.