Canada's first significant submarine fleet will be built by German shipbuilder TKMS
Prime Minister Mark Carney selected Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the country's $100-billion defence procurement, sidestepping South Korean competition.
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Canada has selected Germany's TKMS to build the country's first significant submarine fleet, choosing a NATO ally and European defence contractor over South Korean competitor Hanwha.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the purchase of up to 12 submarines represents the largest defence procurement in Canadian history. The country currently operates four second-hand submarines, of which only one is typically operational.
TKMS has about 22 publicly disclosed agreements and memorandums of understanding, mostly with Canadian companies. The selection means TKMS is the preferred bidder and has pledged to deliver the first four submarines by 2034, though experts say the long procurement process could face major hurdles.
The decision comes as Canada seeks to strengthen underwater defence capabilities within NATO and signals a shift toward European industrial partnerships in defence spending.
