The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the leading German company slated to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders, a move that could impact Canada as the navy explores the addition of corvettes to its fleet. Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s recent partnership with Spain’s Navantia S.A., discussing potential joint naval projects and the potential production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s shipyards.
Burkhard highlighted the rising demand for warship construction, noting a steady increase in demand and the necessity for collaboration among shipbuilders. The research firm Imarc projected a growth of over five percent in this sector over the next decade.
Aside from submarines, the Canadian navy is progressing with the construction of its long-awaited River-Class destroyers and has indicated a requirement for smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes. The destroyers are currently under construction at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, part of the National Shipbuilding Program, which is finalizing the construction of Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships.
Due to Canada lacking modern submarine construction capabilities, the planned 12 submarines will be built in Germany. Burkhard, ahead of his visit to Ottawa, expressed optimism about finalizing the contract with the Canadian government by the end of 2027, following TKMS being named the preferred submarine supplier.
Additionally, discussions have emerged about the potential supply of TKMS’s MEKO A-100 corvette design to a Canadian shipyard, a move that could strengthen Canada’s defense-industrial base. While still a concept, Burkhard mentioned the possibility of building the corvettes in Canada with their design.
The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes last year, with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee advocating for smaller warships to defend Canada’s extensive coastline. Defence expert Rob Huebert emphasized the importance of addressing military needs over economic benefits and welcomed the prospect of increased ship construction for the navy.
Burkhard likened the current shipbuilding market conditions to the 1960s when European aerospace companies collaborated to create Airbus in response to competition from U.S. defense contractors. He suggested that a similar initiative could be beneficial for European shipyards, particularly in submarine construction.
Acknowledging the complexity of such an undertaking, Burkhard proposed that the industry could take the lead in forming partnerships akin to the Airbus model. The necessity for closer collaboration among European defense companies was underscored by a study from the Center for Strategic and International Studies three years ago, highlighting the increased defense spending but decreased cooperation among European nations.
