Germany’s armament state secretary, Jens Plötner, has stated that Canada has the capability to construct a significant portion of the twelve submarines planned for acquisition by the navy. Plötner emphasized that the Canadian government could choose to have a substantial role in the submarine construction process, highlighting the potential strategic advantages in light of current geopolitical dynamics.
Plötner pointed out the magnitude of acquiring a dozen submarines and proposed the idea of initiating production in existing German facilities with the subsequent construction of additional production facilities in Canada to support ongoing manufacturing. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is competing with Hanwha Ocean of South Korea to secure the contract for building Canada’s new submarine fleet.
Plötner elaborated on TKMS’s experience in establishing production facilities in other countries, citing South Korea as an example of a successful partnership that led to submarine production. The prospect of manufacturing submarines in Canada is a novel concept, given the country’s historical reliance on purchasing submarines from overseas shipyards.
Plötner emphasized the importance of establishing a submarine maintenance facility in Canada to ensure the operational readiness of the fleet. He underscored the resilience that a domestic production site would provide during times of crisis or conflict, advocating for a dual approach to submarine maintenance and construction capabilities.
While formal discussions regarding a Canadian production facility have not taken place, Plötner expressed openness to exploring the idea should the Canadian government express interest. TKMS’s growing order book necessitates expanding production capacity, making the establishment of a Canadian manufacturing site a potential solution.
The decision on the submarine contract will be influenced by the proposal that generates the most Canadian employment opportunities, as confirmed by Stephen Fuhr, the cabinet secretary of the Defence Investment Agency (DIA). Fuhr emphasized the importance of fostering economic benefits for Canada through strategic partnerships in defense procurement decisions.