A look at the race to replace Canada’s rapidly aging fleet of submarines

Canada’s Search for New Submarines: A Closer Look

OTTAWA — The competition to supply Canada with its next fleet of submarines has reached a critical stage, with Ottawa now considering two top contenders: a Korean company and a German manufacturer.

1. Why Canada Needs New Submarines

Canada is in urgent need of replacing its aging Victoria-class submarines, which were acquired from the U.K. in 1998. With only one operational submarine currently in service, Prime Minister Mark Carney has stressed the importance of modernizing the fleet before they reach the end of their service life in the mid-2030s.

Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the procurement project in 2024, signaling Canada’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and meeting NATO spending targets.

2. Bidders in the Running

Ottawa has shortlisted two companies for the submarine contract: Hanwha Oceans from South Korea and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems from Germany.

Hanwha Oceans offers the KSS-III submarine, known for its lithium-ion battery technology and quick delivery timeline. On the other hand, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is a key supplier to NATO and proposes the 212CD submarine with hydrogen fuel cell and diesel engine technology.

3. Canada’s Requirements

The Royal Canadian Navy seeks submarines with stealth and lethality capabilities to safeguard Canadian waters, particularly in the Arctic region. The new submarines must be capable of operating under ice and supporting national security objectives.

4. Cost Considerations

While the exact cost of the submarine procurement remains undisclosed, it is expected to be a significant investment for Canada. The government will engage in negotiations with the selected supplier to determine the final cost of the fleet.

5. Next Steps

Ottawa will engage in detailed discussions with both Hanwha Oceans and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to finalize the submarine contract. A decision on the supplier could be made by the end of the year, pending further negotiations.

This article provides an overview of Canada’s submarine procurement process and highlights the key considerations in selecting a supplier. Stay tuned for updates on this critical defense acquisition.

Author: Kyle Duggan