Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has been selected as the preferred supplier to build Canada’s next fleet of submarines, launching negotiations for what the federal government says will be the largest defence procurement in Canadian history.Speaking at Canadian Forces Base Halifax, Carney said the project will modernize the Royal Canadian Navy and strengthen Canada’s ability to defend its Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific coastlines.“In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada must be prepared to defend our interests, protect our citizens, build our economy, and secure our future,” Carney said.“To that end, we are making the largest defence procurement in our nation’s history with speed, ambition, and discipline.”The government will now enter negotiations with TKMS to finalize contracts for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. Ottawa said it intends to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027, with the first four submarines scheduled for delivery in 2034.If negotiations fail, the government said it may instead enter talks with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, the only other finalist in the competition..The project will replace Canada’s aging Victoria-class submarines, of which only one of four is currently seaworthy.“With the longest coastline in the world, Canada’s ability to deploy underwater surveillance capability is critical,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.“Our security and sovereignty depend on them.”The new fleet will consist of TKMS’s 212CD submarines, which the government described as among the stealthiest in the world because of their ultra-low acoustic and magnetic signatures.According to Ottawa, the vessels will be capable of Arctic patrols, undersea surveillance, special forces deployment and fully interoperable operations with NATO allies.Carney said the procurement would also deliver long-term economic benefits.“Canada’s next submarine fleet will secure our coastlines and waters, and their construction will have enormous, lasting benefits for Canadian industries and workers,” he said.“Together with our German and Norwegian Allies, we will build at speed and scale to expand our strategic capabilities and create greater strategic autonomy.”Defence Minister David McGuinty said the investment will strengthen both Canada’s military and economy.“Today’s decision will provide the Royal Canadian Navy a critical capability, ensuring we can defend and secure Canada’s vast coastline,” McGuinty said.“From coast to coast to coast, this historic investment in the Canadian Armed Forces will bring strong economic benefits and jobs across the country.”The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is expected to be worth tens of billions of dollars and forms part of the federal government’s broader plan to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces and expand defence spending following Canada’s commitment to meet NATO’s defence spending targets.
