The CEO 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 have implications for Canada as its navy contemplates integrating corvettes into its fleet.
Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s recent partnership with the Spanish state-owned company Navantia S.A. The two firms are exploring joint ventures in naval projects, potentially including the production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s Spanish shipyards.
Burkhard stressed the importance of shipbuilders working together, noting the rising demand for warship construction globally. A recent report by Imarc projected a more than five percent growth in demand over the next decade.
Apart from submarines, the Canadian navy is currently constructing its River-Class destroyers and has expressed interest in acquiring smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes. The destroyers are being built in Halifax by Irving Shipbuilding under the National Shipbuilding Program, which is nearing completion of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships.
Given Canada’s lack of modern submarine construction capabilities, the planned 12 submarines will be manufactured in Germany. Burkhard, ahead of his visit to Ottawa, mentioned that TKMS is engaging with Canadian partners involved in the submarine program.
Recently selected as the preferred supplier for the navy’s submarines, TKMS aims to finalize a contract with the Canadian government by the end of 2027. Burkhard hinted at a potentially expedited agreement due to the government’s swift actions.
While discussing the submarine bid, German officials explored the possibility of supplying the MEKO A-100 corvette design to a Canadian shipyard to enhance Canada’s defense-industrial capacity. Although not part of the submarine bid, Burkhard confirmed that the concept was under review.
The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes in its fleet last year and has been evaluating the roles and capabilities such a vessel would require. Defence expert Rob Huebert emphasized the necessity for corvettes in the navy’s fleet and expressed support for Burkhard’s acknowledgment of the need for rapid rearmament.
Huebert highlighted the importance of closer collaboration among European shipyards, particularly in submarine construction. He drew parallels to the aerospace industry’s creation of Airbus in the 1960s to compete with U.S. defense contractors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
While acknowledging the complexity of establishing a maritime equivalent of Airbus, Burkhard suggested that industry leadership could drive the initiative. He emphasized the potential benefits of industry-led collaborations akin to the formation of Airbus in the 1970s.
The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) underscored the necessity for enhanced partnerships among European defense companies in a study three years ago. The study revealed a trend of increased defense spending in Europe but a lack of collaborative efforts, depicting the issue as deeply rooted.
The push for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders aligns with the evolving landscape of global naval construction and strategic defense partnerships.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/submarines-germany-canada-corevettes-warships-9.7308142)