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, which involves partnering with Navantia S.A., a Spanish government-owned company, may have implications for Canada as it contemplates adding corvettes to its naval fleet.
In an interview with CBC News, Oliver Burkhard emphasized the recent cooperation agreement between TKMS and Navantia to explore joint naval projects, potentially including the production of TKMS submarine designs in Spain. Burkhard stressed the importance of fostering collaboration among shipbuilders in response to the rising demand for warship construction, as highlighted in a report projecting a more than five percent increase in demand over the next decade.
Apart from submarines, the Canadian navy is progressing with the construction of River-Class destroyers and has expressed a need for smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes. The ongoing submarine program will see the construction of 12 submarines in Germany due to Canada’s lack of modern submarine building expertise.
Burkhard’s visit to Ottawa to engage with TKMS partners for Canada’s submarine program coincides with the recent selection of TKMS as the preferred submarine supplier by the Canadian government. The finalized contract with the German shipbuilder is expected by the end of 2027, with potential for an expedited agreement.
Regarding the potential supply of the MEKO A-100 corvette design to a Canadian shipyard, Burkhard confirmed it was under consideration. While no formal pitch has been made to Canadian officials for exporting the MEKO A-100 package, Burkhard expressed openness to the idea of collaborating for construction in Canada with TKMS design expertise.
The Canadian navy’s identification of the need for corvettes aligns with ongoing discussions surrounding defence procurement necessities. The push for corvettes has received support from defense experts, emphasizing the imperative of rapidly reinforcing naval capabilities.
Notably, the prospect of increased collaboration among European shipyards, reminiscent of the aerospace industry’s creation of Airbus in the 1960s, has been deemed essential. Burkhard underscored the need for industry-led initiatives to overcome political barriers, suggesting a potential paradigm shift akin to the formation of Airbus.
The imperative for closer partnerships among European defense companies was underscored in a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), emphasizing the significance of increased defense spending coupled with enhanced cooperation.
Ultimately, the push for enhanced collaboration among European shipbuilders and the potential for joint naval projects represent strategic advancements in the maritime defense sector, fostering innovation and efficiency in naval construction.
