The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company selected to build Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for enhanced collaboration among European shipbuilders. This initiative could impact Canada as the navy considers integrating corvettes into its fleet. In a recent interview with CBC News, Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s partnership with the Spanish government-owned Navantia S.A., focusing on potential joint naval projects and the prospective production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s Spanish shipyards.
Burkhard stressed the importance of cooperation among shipbuilders in response to the escalating demand for warship construction, with a projected increase of over five percent in the next decade according to a report by Imarc. Aside from submarines, the Canadian navy is progressing with the construction of River-Class destroyers and has indicated a requirement for smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes. The destroyers are being constructed by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax under the National Shipbuilding Program, while the planned 12 submarines will be manufactured in Germany due to Canada’s lack of modern submarine building expertise.
Ahead of his visit to Ottawa to engage with TKMS’s Canadian submarine program partners, Burkhard expressed optimism about finalizing a contract with the Canadian government by the end of 2027. Although there have been discussions about the potential export of TKMS’s MEKO A-100 corvette design to a Canadian shipyard to enhance Canada’s defense-industrial base, there have been no official proposals to Canadian authorities regarding this option.
The Canadian navy’s identified need for corvettes aligns with Vice Admiral Angus Topshee’s advocacy for a versatile, compact warship to safeguard Canada’s extensive coastline. Defense expert Rob Huebert emphasized the necessity of addressing military requirements over economic benefits, supporting the acquisition of additional ships for the navy to bolster national security capabilities.
Recognizing the market dynamics in shipbuilding, Burkhard drew parallels to the creation of Airbus in the 1960s, emphasizing the potential for enhanced cooperation among European shipyards. While acknowledging the complexity of establishing a maritime equivalent of Airbus, Burkhard suggested that industry leadership could drive such an initiative. The imperative for closer partnerships among European defense companies was underscored by a study from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) three years ago, highlighting the need for increased collaboration despite rising defense expenditures in European countries.
