The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company selected to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders. This move could have implications for Canada as the navy explores the possibility of incorporating corvettes into its fleet. Oliver Burkhard emphasized the recent partnership between TKMS and the Spanish state-owned Navantia S.A., with discussions underway regarding joint naval projects and potential construction of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s Spanish shipyards.

Burkhard emphasized the importance of cooperation among shipbuilders, noting the rising demand for warship construction globally. A recent report by Imarc projected a more than five percent increase in demand over the next decade. Alongside the submarine project, the Canadian navy is currently constructing River-Class destroyers and expressing interest in acquiring smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes. The destroyers are being built by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, while the submarines will be constructed in Germany due to Canada’s lack of modern submarine building expertise.

During his visit to Ottawa, Burkhard met with companies collaborating with TKMS for Canada’s submarine program. TKMS was recently named the preferred supplier for the navy’s submarines by the Carney government, with plans to finalize the contract by the end of 2027. Burkhard suggested that the construction of Canadian ships under the TKMS design could potentially take place in Canada, offering the option for local production with TKMS acting as the material supplier.

Additionally, the Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes, with discussions ongoing about the role and capabilities of such vessels. Experts like Rob Huebert emphasize the importance of meeting military needs, with Burkhard’s proposal to explore the export of the MEKO A-100 corvette design for potential Canadian shipyard construction. Huebert supports the idea of expanding the navy’s fleet rapidly to ensure readiness for potential conflicts.

Burkhard drew parallels between the current shipbuilding market and the creation of Airbus in the 1960s, suggesting the need for closer collaboration among European shipyards, especially in submarine construction. While acknowledging the complexity of establishing a maritime equivalent of Airbus, Burkhard proposed that the industry could drive such initiatives independently of political considerations. The importance of enhanced partnerships among European defense companies was underscored by a study from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) three years ago, emphasizing the need for increased cooperation despite rising defense spending among European nations.