The CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the German company selected to construct Canada’s new submarines, is advocating for increased collaboration among European shipbuilders. This initiative could impact Canada as its navy explores the addition of corvettes to its fleet.

Oliver Burkhard emphasized TKMS’s recent partnership with the Spanish government-owned Navantia S.A., aiming to work together on naval projects, potentially including the production of TKMS submarine designs at Navantia’s Spanish shipyards.

Burkhard highlighted the growing demand for warship construction, noting a projected over five percent increase in the next decade according to a report by Imarc. The Canadian navy is also developing its River-Class destroyers and expressing the need for smaller, cost-effective, ice-capable corvettes alongside the ongoing submarine project.

With the Canadian submarine construction outsourced to Germany due to the country lacking modern expertise in this area, TKMS is set to secure a full contract by the end of 2027. Burkhard discussed the possibility of exporting the MEKO A-100 corvette design for construction in Canada, potentially enhancing the nation’s defense-industrial capabilities.

The Canadian navy’s identification of the need for corvettes aligns with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee’s defense of smaller, powerful warships to safeguard the extensive Canadian coastline. Experts support the procurement of additional ships for national defense readiness.

Highlighting the necessity for cooperative efforts among European shipyards, Burkhard drew parallels to the aerospace industry’s creation of Airbus in the 1960s. He emphasized the potential benefits of industry-led collaborations in addressing market challenges and enhancing defense capabilities.

While recognizing the complexity of establishing a maritime equivalent of Airbus, Burkhard emphasized the role industry could play in fostering greater unity. The call for enhanced partnerships in the European defense sector has been underscored by key studies emphasizing the importance of increased cooperation among nations.