Carney Explores Submarine Deal in Germany Amid Defence Upgrades

Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Germany this week to discuss a potential acquisition of new submarines for Canada. His visit includes meetings with senior German officials and a tour of a shipyard, where he will engage with Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, and participate in a business roundtable focused on trade diversification and a partnership in critical minerals.

Carney’s discussions are part of Canada’s initiative to replace its aging and largely inoperable Victoria-class submarines. Several contenders are in the running, but the German-designed, Norwegian-partnered Type 212CD submarine has emerged as a leading candidate. The Type 212CD is recognized for its advanced capabilities and has been heavily promoted by Oliver Burkhard, the CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tkMS), who previously emphasized the concept of a “strategic partnership” with Canada.

The Canadian government is seeking to procure 12 conventionally powered submarines, with the expectation that the first vessel would be delivered by 2035. Shipyards in South Korea, Sweden, and Spain have also responded to requests for information, but Germany and Norway have been collaborating for several years on their own submarine construction program.

The Type 212CD, an evolution of the established German Type 212A design, is designed for operations in diverse environments, including the Arctic. According to Oystein Storebo, Norway’s program director of submarines, the 212CD can remain submerged for over three weeks, thanks to its air-independent propulsion system. The submarine measures 73 meters in length and weighs 2,800 tonnes when submerged, equipped with eight torpedo tubes.

Currently, an initial order of $8.1 billion (approximately €5.5 billion) has been placed for six Type 212CD submarines—two for Germany and four for Norway. Each country is now planning to increase their orders, potentially bringing the total to 12 boats. The German Navy is expected to receive its first 212CD in 2028, with Norway’s first delivery anticipated in 2029.

Burkhard also highlighted plans for establishing a submarine maintenance facility in Canada, which would create jobs and align with the Liberal government’s focus on domestic employment. He stated that if Canada joins the program, the first Canadian submarine could potentially be delivered by 2032 or 2033. However, this timeline depends significantly on the Canadian government’s decision-making process.

Carney indicated that the government aims to reach a decision on this submarine project by 2027. As discussions continue, the outcome not only holds implications for Canada’s naval capabilities but also for its broader defence and security strategy in collaboration with international partners.