Oliver Burkhard, the CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company slated to construct Canada’s new submarines, emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration among European shipbuilders. Burkhard highlighted the recent partnership between TKMS and the Spanish government-owned Navantia S.A., exploring joint naval projects and potential production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s Spanish shipyards.
Burkhard stressed the necessity for shipbuilders to work together, noting the rising demand for warship construction globally. A report by Imarc projected a more than five percent increase in demand over the next decade.
In addition to the submarine project, the Canadian navy is progressing with the construction of River-Class destroyers and considering the addition of smaller, cost-effective corvettes with ice capabilities. The destroyers are being built by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax as part of the National Shipbuilding Program, while the submarines, lacking modern building expertise in Canada, will be constructed in Germany.
Burkhard’s discussions come ahead of his visit to Ottawa to engage with companies involved in supplying Canada’s submarine program. TKMS was recently selected as the preferred supplier for the navy’s submarines, with a contract expected to be finalized by the end of 2027.
The potential of exporting TKMS’s MEKO A-100 corvette design to Canada was considered during the submarine bid process. Although not included in the bid, Burkhard confirmed that the option is under review, suggesting the design could potentially be built in Canada through partnership arrangements.
The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes last year, conducting analyses on the roles and capabilities of such warships. Experts like Rob Huebert emphasize the importance of military necessity over economic benefits in defense procurement decisions. Closer collaboration among European shipyards, especially in submarine construction, is seen as vital by Huebert.
Burkhard drew parallels to the aerospace industry in the 1960s, highlighting the need for a similar cooperative effort among European shipyards to address current market conditions. The concept of a maritime version of Airbus was discussed, with industry-led initiatives potentially leading the way for closer partnerships.
The necessity for enhanced cooperation among European defense companies was underscored in a landmark study by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) three years ago. The study pointed out that while European defense spending was increasing, cooperation among countries was diminishing, presenting a persistent challenge.