The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a German company poised to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders. This move could have implications for Canada as the navy contemplates introducing corvettes into its fleet.
Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s recent partnership with the Spanish government-owned Navantia S.A., aiming to explore joint naval projects, potentially including the production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s Spanish shipyards. Burkhard stressed the importance of shipbuilders working together to meet the rising demand for warship construction, which is projected to grow by over five percent in the next decade according to a report by Imarc.
Aside from submarines, the Canadian navy is underway with the construction of River-Class destroyers and has expressed the need for smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes. The destroyers are being built by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, while the planned 12 submarines will be manufactured in Germany due to Canada’s lack of modern submarine building expertise.
Burkhard, ahead of his visit to Ottawa, where he will meet with TKMS partners for Canada’s submarine program, mentioned that TKMS is the preferred supplier for the navy’s submarines. The company aims to finalize the contract sooner than anticipated due to the government’s swift actions.
Burkhard also discussed the potential of exporting TKMS’s MEKO A-100 corvette design to Canada, suggesting it could be constructed in Canada using TKMS’s design. Although this concept is in its early stages, Burkhard expressed readiness to explore further if there is interest.
The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes last year, considering the role and capabilities such a warship would entail. Defence expert Rob Huebert emphasized the importance of military necessity over economic benefits, supporting the idea of expanding the navy’s fleet to prepare for potential conflicts.
Huebert also welcomed the closer collaboration among European shipyards, particularly in submarine construction, drawing parallels to the aerospace industry’s creation of Airbus in the 1960s. Burkhard echoed the sentiment, proposing that the industry could take the initiative to establish a maritime equivalent of Airbus, despite the complexities involved.
Recognizing the need for stronger partnerships among European defence companies, a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) three years ago underscored the importance of increased cooperation within the region’s defence sector, highlighting it as a persistent challenge.