Canada has selected German shipbuilding major TKMS as the preferred supplier for its Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), paving the way for the potential acquisition of twelve Type 212CD submarines.
The selection, announced by Germany’s TKMS on July 6, marks the start of contract negotiations and government-to-government discussions aimed at replacing the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging submarine fleet. If finalized, the deal would represent the largest order in TKMS’ history and increase the company’s current order backlog by more than 50%, according to the shipbuilder.
The Type 212CD (Common Design) submarine is being jointly developed by Germany and Norway and is designed for operations in the Arctic, North Atlantic and other challenging maritime environments. Canada said the platform would support its long-term maritime security requirements while enhancing interoperability with NATO allies.
Under the proposed framework, Canada would establish a sovereign sustainment capability supported by technology transfer, workforce development and domestic industrial participation. TKMS said the project is intended to create long-term opportunities for Canadian companies to join the broader international supply chain supporting the 212CD program.
The agreement also expands the existing 212CD program beyond its original German and Norwegian customers, strengthening defense-industrial cooperation among the three NATO allies.
TKMS expects the first submarine to be delivered by 2033 if the program proceeds as planned.
“With the CPSP, we are proud to take on the largest single order in the history of TKMS – and with it comes a clear promise: we will deliver. The CPSP is more than a procurement program; it is the foundation of a long-term strategic partnership between trusted allies,” said Oliver Burkhard , CEO at TKMS.
“We stand ready to work alongside the Government of Canada, Canadian industry and our partners in Germany and Norway to deliver a world-class submarine capability that will strengthen security, create economic opportunity and generate lasting benefits for future generations.”
“The fact that Canada is committing to a joint submarine capability with the 212CD together with Germany and Norway underlines the strong and trustful security and industrial cooperation between close allies. With this decision, TKMS confirms its role as a reliable strategic partner for maritime security worldwide. A good day for Canada, Germany and Norway,” Volkmar Dinstuhl , Chairman of the Supervisory Board at TKMS, commented.
The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is part of Canada’s broader effort to modernize its naval capabilities as Ottawa seeks to enhance its ability to operate in the Arctic and contribute to allied maritime security. The future fleet is intended to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s four Victoria-class submarines, which have been in service since the early 2000s.