The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company poised to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for enhanced collaboration among European shipbuilders. This initiative could have implications in Canada as the navy contemplates introducing corvettes to its fleet. In a recent interview with CBC News, Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s partnership with the Spanish government-owned Navantia S.A., exploring joint naval projects and potential production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s shipyards in Spain.
Burkhard stressed the importance of cooperation among shipbuilders, noting the rising demand for warship construction globally. A report by Imarc projected over a five percent increase in demand for warships in the next decade. In addition to submarines, the Canadian navy is constructing its long-awaited River-Class destroyers and has expressed interest in acquiring smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes.
Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax is responsible for building the destroyers under the National Shipbuilding Program, while the submarines, due to Canada’s lack of modern submarine building expertise, will be constructed in Germany. Burkhard’s upcoming visit to Ottawa aims to meet with companies collaborating with TKMS for Canada’s submarine program, following the Carney government’s selection of TKMS as the preferred supplier for the navy’s submarines.
Amid discussions about defense procurement needs, the Canadian navy has identified the requirement for corvettes, with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee affirming the necessity for smaller, powerful warships to defend the extensive Canadian coastline. Rob Huebert, a defense expert, emphasized the importance of rapidly increasing naval capabilities, especially in anticipation of potential conflicts.
Acknowledging the market conditions in shipbuilding, Burkhard drew parallels to the creation of Airbus in the 1960s, highlighting the need for closer collaboration among European shipyards, particularly in submarine construction. While complex, Burkhard suggested that the industry could spearhead the development of a maritime equivalent of Airbus, bypassing political constraints.
The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted the necessity for closer partnerships among European defense companies, underscoring the critical need for increased cooperation despite rising defense expenditures.