The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company set to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for enhanced collaboration among European shipbuilders. This initiative could impact Canada as its navy contemplates incorporating corvettes into its fleet. In a recent interview with CBC News, Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s partnership with the Spanish state-owned Navantia S.A., focusing on potential joint naval projects, including the production of TKMS submarine designs in Spain.
Burkhard highlighted the necessity for shipbuilders to work together, citing the rising demand for warship construction globally. According to a recent report by Imarc, this demand is projected to increase by over five percent in the next decade. Apart from submarines, the Canadian navy is progressing with the construction of River-Class destroyers and has expressed interest in acquiring smaller, cost-effective corvettes with ice-capable capabilities.
The construction of the destroyers is underway in Halifax by Irving Shipbuilding under the National Shipbuilding Program, following the completion of Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships construction. Due to Canada’s lack of contemporary submarine building expertise, the planned 12 submarines will be manufactured in Germany.
Burkhard, ahead of his visit to Ottawa, where he is meeting with companies partnering with TKMS for Canada’s submarine program, expressed confidence in finalizing a contract with the Canadian government sooner than anticipated. While discussing the possibility of exporting TKMS’s MEKO A-100 corvette design to Canada, Burkhard emphasized the potential for local construction using their design, signaling a willingness to collaborate with Canadian partners.
The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes last year, with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee underscoring the importance of smaller, potent warships to defend Canada’s extensive coastline. Defense expert Rob Huebert emphasized the necessity of addressing military requirements rather than focusing solely on economic benefits in defense procurement.
Huebert also commended the increased cooperation among European shipyards, particularly in submarine construction, likening the current market conditions to those that led to the creation of Airbus in the 1960s. While acknowledging the complexities of establishing a maritime version of Airbus, Burkhard suggested that industry stakeholders could initiate such collaboration.
Recognizing the challenges posed by the lack of cooperation among European defense companies, a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) three years ago underscored the importance of fostering closer partnerships among these entities.
