Historical mission Canada is Purchasing Twelve Type 212CD Submarines from TKMS

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Fastems Systems GmbH

Canada is relying on a multibillion-dollar partnership with Germany and Norway to modernise its submarine fleet.

To enable Canada to carry out its submarine plans, the Kiel-based naval shipbuilder TKMS is to deliver up to twelve submarines. At least, that is what Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said before leaving for the NATO summit in Ankara. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) welcomed the decision, calling it a major strategic project that will bind Canada, Germany, and Norway together for decades. He further interpreted the move as the Canadian government sending a strong signal of transatlantic cooperation ahead of the NATO meeting. And for TKMS, it is, not least, the largest submarine contract in the company’s history, as has been emphasised. According to the report, Canada will receive Type 212CD submarines from the shipyard—a class developed by Germany and Norway for joint use. The “CD” stands for “Common Design.” The resulting standardisation of design is intended to reduce costs and facilitate cooperation, with Canada now joining as the third major partner. This will enable Canada to better monitor its coastline, which is, after all, the longest in the world. However, negotiations could now take at least six, if not 18, months.

Canada reduces purchases from the U.S.

The three nations’ future submarine fleet is a key pillar of NATO’s strategy for securing the High North and a visible contribution to burden-sharing within the alliance. Together, they now aim to build the world’s largest and most modern conventional submarine fleet. To date, Canada has sourced about 80 percent of its military equipment from the United States. However, relations have not exactly been good since the start of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, as—in addition to the well-known tariffs—they have 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 figures, could remain in service until mid-2030. Currently, however, only one of them is operational. TKMS has therefore offered to reallocate submarines from the German and Norwegian orders so that the first four submarines could be delivered as early as 2034.

Ideal submarines for the arctic and under the ice

With this order, the total number of orders for the new Class 212CD submarines has now risen to 24. The shipyard is already building six submarines each for Germany and Norway. Germany currently operates six submarines of the predecessor 212A class, which are 56 meters long. The new submarines, on the other hand, will be about 72 meters long, according to further reports. The new submarine class features improved sensor technology for detecting potential adversaries both underwater and on the surface. Each submarine is expected to have a crew of 30. According to TKMS, they are also specifically designed for operations in the Arctic and under ice—ideal for Canada.