Historic Order Canada Buys Twelve Submarines of the Type 212CD from TKMS

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Canada relies on a multi-billion cooperation with Germany and Norway for the renewal of its submarine fleet ...

To fulfill Canada's submarine plans, the Kiel-based naval shipbuilder TKMS is to deliver up to twelve submarines. At least that's what Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said before departing for the NATO summit in Ankara. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) welcomed the decision, viewing it as a major strategic endeavor that connects Canada, Germany, and Norway for decades to come. The Canadian government thus sends a strong signal of transatlantic cooperation ahead of the NATO meeting, according to further interpretation. And for TKMS, it is, last but not least, the largest submarine order in the company's history, as emphasized. Canada will receive Type 212CD submarines from the shipyard, a model developed by Germany and Norway for joint use. CD stands for Common Design. The achieved uniformity in construction is intended to reduce costs and enable easy collaboration, with Canada now joining as the third major partner. This would allow Canada to better monitor its coastline, which is the longest in the world. However, the negotiations could now take at least six, if not 18, months.

Canada Reduces Procurement from the USA

The future submarine fleet of the three nations is considered a key pillar in NATO's strategy for securing the High North and a visible contribution to burden-sharing within the alliance. Together, they aim to establish the world's largest and most modern conventional submarine fleet. Currently, about 80 percent of Canada's military equipment is sourced from the United States. However, relations have not been particularly good since the beginning of the second term of U.S. President Donald Trump, as aside from the widely known tariffs, the relationship has also been strained by Trump's repeatedly expressed desire to incorporate Canada as the 51st state. Canada currently has four submarines, which, according to government statements, can remain operational until mid-2030. However, only one of them is currently operational. TKMS has therefore offered to reassign submarines from the German and Norwegian orders, so that the first four submarines could be delivered by 2034.

Ideal Submarines for the Arctic and Under Ice

With the order, the number of contracts for the new 212CD class now increases to 24 units. The shipyard is already building six submarines each for Germany and Norway. Germany currently operates six submarines of the predecessor class 212A, which are 56 meters long (approx. 184 feet). The new submarines, on the other hand, will be about 72 meters long (approx. 236 feet), as further reported. The new submarine class features improved sensors for detecting potential opponents both underwater and on the surface. The submarines are designed to operate with a crew of 30 members each. According to TKMS, they are also specifically designed for use in the Arctic and under ice – ideal for Canada.