The chief executive officer of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company set to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders. This initiative could potentially impact Canada’s navy decision-making as it mulls over the addition of corvettes to its fleet.
Oliver Burkhard, in a discussion with CBC News, emphasized the recent partnership between TKMS and the Spanish government-owned Navantia S.A. The two firms are exploring joint ventures on naval projects, potentially involving the production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s Spanish shipyards.
Burkhard stressed the necessity for cooperation among shipbuilders, noting the rising demand for warship construction. A report by Imarc projected a more than five percent increase in demand over the next decade.
Apart from submarines, the Canadian navy has initiated the construction of River-Class destroyers and expressed interest in smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes. Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax is currently building the destroyers under the National Shipbuilding Program.
Due to Canada’s lack of modern submarine construction expertise, the planned 12 submarines will be manufactured in Germany. Burkhard anticipates finalizing a contract with the German shipbuilder by the end of 2027, following the Canadian government’s swift progress in selecting TKMS as the preferred supplier.
While discussing possibilities before the selection process, German officials explored the idea of supplying the MEKO A-100 corvette design to a Canadian shipyard to enhance Canada’s defense-industrial capabilities. Burkhard confirmed the consideration of this notion, emphasizing the potential for the design to be built in Canada with TKMS’s involvement.
The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes last year and has been evaluating various options for this type of warship. Defense expert Rob Huebert emphasized the importance of meeting military needs, supporting the acquisition of additional ships for the navy.
Huebert also highlighted the benefits of closer collaboration among European shipyards, particularly in submarine construction. He drew parallels between the current shipbuilding market conditions and the circumstances that led to the creation of Airbus in the 1960s. Burkhard suggested that industry-led initiatives, akin to the Airbus model, could drive closer partnerships in the defense sector.
The necessity for enhanced partnerships among European defense companies was underscored in a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) three years ago, signaling a need for increased cooperation despite rising defense expenditures across European nations.