The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a German company set to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders. This initiative could have implications for Canada as discussions arise about incorporating corvettes into the navy. Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s recent partnership with Spain’s Navantia S.A., exploring joint naval projects and the potential production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s shipyards.
Burkhard stressed the importance of shipbuilders working together due to the rising demand for warship construction, as indicated by a report forecasting a more than five percent increase over the next decade. In addition to submarines, the Canadian navy is progressing with the construction of River-Class destroyers and expressing a need for smaller, cost-effective corvettes capable of operating in icy conditions.
With Canada lacking modern submarine building expertise, the planned 12 submarines will be constructed in Germany. Burkhard discussed the possibility of exporting TKMS’s MEKO A-100 corvette design to be built in Canada, potentially enhancing the country’s defense-industrial capabilities. The Canadian navy identified the need for corvettes last year, with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee supporting the concept of smaller, powerful warships to defend the extensive Canadian coastlines.
Amid discussions about defense procurement, the focus should be on military necessity rather than economic benefits, according to defense expert Rob Huebert. He highlighted the importance of rapidly acquiring additional ships for potential conflicts. Burkhard’s comparison of the current shipbuilding market to the creation of Airbus in the 1960s underscores the potential benefits of increased collaboration among European shipyards, particularly in submarine construction.
While acknowledging the complexity of establishing a maritime equivalent of Airbus, Burkhard suggested industry-led initiatives could pave the way for closer partnerships. The need for enhanced cooperation among European defense companies was underscored by a study from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), emphasizing the importance of increased collaboration despite rising defense spending in European countries.