German, Norwegian officials urge Canada to join ‘familiar family’ in buying new submarines

Germany and Norway are confident that Canada will soon sign on to the ReArm Europe plan, paving the way for the Liberal government to purchase new submarines from its allies. Jasper Wieck, the political director of the German Ministry of Defence, and Norway’s program director of submarines, Capt. (N) Oystein Storebo, recently discussed the benefits of Canada joining their partnership in an interview with CBC News.

With the competition for the multibillion-dollar defence program heating up, South Korean shipyards recently submitted a detailed proposal to build submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. However, Wieck and Storebo emphasized the advantages of working with long-standing NATO allies like Germany and Norway, highlighting the familiarity and partnership that such collaboration offers.

The strategic partnership between Germany, Norway, and Canada aims to strengthen maritime security cooperation in the North Atlantic in support of NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts. By joining this partnership, Canada would be considered an EU member state in various European schemes and incentives, further enhancing security and defense cooperation.

The submarines being constructed as part of the joint program, known as the 212CD, are based on the well-established German Type 212A design and are designed for operations in all oceans. With air-independent propulsion capabilities, these submarines can stay submerged in the Arctic for up to three weeks, making them well-suited for various missions.

Currently, six 212CD submarines are under construction, with the German Navy set to receive its first boat in 2028 and Norway following in 2029. Should Canada decide to join the program, there is a possibility that the first Canadian submarine could be delivered within the requested timeframe, depending on how swiftly the Canadian government moves.

One aspect of the pitch from the German shipyard leading the bid, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tkMS), involves the construction of a submarine maintenance facility in Canada, which would create jobs for Canadians. This aligns with the Liberal government’s focus on job creation and economic growth.

Ultimately, the trilateral partnership between Canada, Germany, and Norway aims to enhance security and defense cooperation in the face of potential threats, such as Russian aggression. By leveraging the expertise and capabilities of longstanding allies, Canada can strengthen its maritime security and defense capabilities while fostering economic growth and job creation through strategic partnerships.