The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company set to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders. This initiative could potentially impact Canada as discussions around adding corvettes to the navy’s fleet are underway. Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s recent partnership with the Spanish government-owned Navantia S.A., exploring joint naval projects and potential production of TKMS submarine designs in Spain.
Burkhard highlighted the rising demand for warship construction, noting the shift from having time but no money to having money but no time in the industry. A recent report projected a more than five percent increase in demand for warships over the next decade. Besides submarines, the Canadian navy is progressing with the construction of River-Class destroyers and considering the necessity for smaller, cost-effective corvettes capable of operating in icy conditions.
Given Canada’s lack of modern submarine building expertise, the 12 planned submarines will be constructed in Germany. Burkhard expressed the importance of collaboration among shipbuilders and discussed the potential for exporting TKMS’s MEKO A-100 corvette design to be built in Canada, emphasizing the possibility of local construction with TKMS’s design.
The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes last year and has been evaluating their role and required capabilities. Defense expert Rob Huebert emphasized the importance of addressing military requirements first and highlighted the necessity for corvettes in the navy’s fleet expansion. Burkhard compared the current shipbuilding market conditions to the creation of Airbus in the 1960s, emphasizing the need for industry collaboration akin to the aerospace sector’s transformation.
While acknowledging the complexity of establishing a maritime equivalent of Airbus, Burkhard suggested the industry could lead the way in fostering closer partnerships among European defense companies. The potential for a collaborative approach, similar to Airbus’s establishment, could enhance efficiency and strengthen the defense industry landscape.