Canada has decided to procure the same type of submarines as Norway and Germany. Canada’s participation in the German Norwegian submarine program will strengthen NATO’s overall defense capabilities in the north and open up new opportunities for Norwegian industry.
Today Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will be purchasing up to 12 submarines under the Norwegian German submarine program in what is Canada’s largest ever defense procurement. The vessels to be acquired by Canada are of the same type as those being procured by Norway and Germany. Norway will take delivery of its new submarines in 2029, while Canada’s first delivery is due to take place in the early 2030s.
‘This is a historic decision of great importance in terms of security. Canada is a crucial partner in the Arctic and a key Ally, and we have common security interests in the north. Canada’s decision to participate in the submarine program marks the start of a close strategic and industrial partnership,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Once the program has been concluded, Norway, Germany and Canada will have up to 24 identical submarines at their disposal. Use of compatible defense equipment facilitates closer operational cooperation, more effective training and lower maintenance and operating costs.
‘Together with Canada and Germany, we are in the process of building NATO’s largest conventional fleet of identical, highly advanced submarines. This will significantly strengthen Norway’s and NATO’s ability to monitor and safeguard the northern sea areas. This is vital to Norwegian and Allied security. The partnership paves the way for closer defense industrial cooperation between Norway, Germany and Canada,’ said Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik.
The partnership will also create opportunities for Norway’s defense industry. Norwegian companies are already involved in deliveries for the Norwegian and German submarines and will be providing deliveries for the Canadian vessels as well. The agreement with Canada also lays the foundation for closer cooperation on maritime security, defense technology and operational capabilities.
The trilateral submarine partnership between Norway, Germany and Canada was discussed when the three countries’ leaders met in Bardufoss in March. Canada’s decision clearly illustrates the country’s determination to forge closer ties to its European Allies and its willingness to do its part to strengthen NATO’s collective security.
Canada is renewing its submarine fleet with a generational investment in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). It will provide the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with the capability, capacity and reach needed to protect Canada, operate in the Arctic and contribute alongside Allies, while investing in the Defence Team members who will bring the future fleet into service.
Delivering new military capability
Canada is beginning negotiations with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to deliver a larger and more modern fleet of up to 12 conventionally powered, under-ice-capable submarines with the first four submarines to be delivered ahead of schedule, in 2034.
What does this mean for the Defence Team
- A larger and more capable fleet
- The new submarines will give the RCN the capacity, range and endurance needed to maintain a more persistent undersea presence and operate safely and effectively in multiple regions, including beneath Arctic ice.
- Modern tools for our people
- The future fleet will offer a unique combination of stealth, persistence, and combat capability that enables the RCN to detect, track, deter and, if necessary, defeat adversaries.
- RCN will also be able to detect, monitor and understand activity occurring in and approaching Canadian waters.
- Greater interoperability
- The new submarines will strengthen the RCN’s ability to operate alongside the naval forces of our Allies and support Canada’s contributions to continental defense, NATO and international operations.
Preparing for the Defence Team
Delivering and operating a new submarine fleet will require investment in the people, infrastructure and support systems needed to introduce and sustain the capability for decades.
What does this means for the Defence Team
- Recruitment and training
- Continued investment will be required to recruit, train and retain submariners and other personnel with specialized technical, operational and support skills.
- Infrastructure
- New and upgraded facilities will support submarine operations, training, maintenance and sustainment on Canada’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
- A Defence Team-wide effort
- Delivering the future fleet will involve military and civilian personnel working across materiel, infrastructure, digital services, intelligence, policy, science and technology, procurement, training and sustainment.
