Canada commits to trilateral partnership: TKMS selected as the Preferred Supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project
Press Release + Noah Note
Team 212CD selected as Preferred Supplier for Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, potentially delivering twelve 212CD submarines, marking a new chapter in defence and industrial cooperation between Canada, Germany and Norway.
Government-to-government framework will support the delivery of a modern submarine capability while establishing a sovereign Canadian sustainment enterprise.
Partnership will strengthen national security, NATO interoperability and long-term industrial cooperation while generating lasting economic benefits across Canada.
TKMS’s profitable growth path will be supported by an increase of the current order backlog by more than 50%, with the first boat delivered by 2033.
Ottawa/Kiel, July 6, 2026 – TKMS welcomes the Government of Canada's decision to select Team 212CD as the Preferred Supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) potentially delivering twelve 212CD submarines. This marks a historic milestone for Canada, Germany and Norway and the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership that will strengthen security, industrial cooperation and collective defence across the North Atlantic.
The announcement marks the start of a new chapter in defence cooperation between three close NATO allies, bringing together shared expertise and common security interests. For Canada, the decision represents a significant long-term investment in maritime security and sovereign capability. For Germany and Norway, it reflects a deepening partnership with a key ally and a shared commitment to advancing transatlantic security, technological cooperation and operational interoperability. For TKMS, the potential extension of the 212CD program beyond Germany and Norway will further support the company’s ongoing profitable growth path. The current order backlog will be supported by more than 50%.
"This is an important day - for Canada, Germany and Norway," said Oliver Burkhard, CEO at TKMS. "With the CPSP, we are proud to take on the largest single order in the history of TKMS – and with it comes a clear promise: we will deliver. The CPSP is more than a procurement program; it is the foundation of a long-term strategic partnership between trusted allies. Together with Canada, we are taking the next step as NATO partners – built on trust, shared values and a common commitment to defence. We stand ready to work alongside the Government of Canada, Canadian industry and our partners in Germany and Norway to deliver a world-class submarine capability that will strengthen security, create economic opportunity and generate lasting benefits for future generations. Last year our independence marked the beginning of a new era for TKMS. The CPSP is the next chapter of that journey. Canada will benefit from the full force of the current unique European program – the combined strength of Germany and Norway, united in purpose, and committed to delivering the very best and to create a new kind of transatlantic coalition."
Co-designed by an Arctic nation for the Arctic, as well as for the conditions of the North Atlantic and warm waters of the Pacific, the Type 212CD submarine is built for the North, not simply adapted to it. It is in the Arctic where Canada and its NATO allies increasingly need credible deterrence and presence.
Dr. Volkmar Dinstuhl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at TKMS: “Canada’s trust in Team 212CD is testament to TKMS’s international competitiveness. This is a very important demonstration of NATO’s capacity to act and the capabilities of the German and European defence industries. The fact that Canada is committing to a joint submarine capability with the 212CD together with Germany and Norway underlines the strong and trustful security and industrial cooperation between close allies. With this decision, TKMS confirms its role as a reliable strategic partner for maritime security worldwide. A good day for Canada, Germany and Norway. A good day for TKMS as a leading maritime powerhouse."
The partnership will contribute to the development of a sovereign Canadian sustainment enterprise, support workforce development and skills transfer, strengthen domestic supply chains and create opportunities for Canadian businesses to participate in a broader international defence ecosystem over time. The final proposal will generate CAD 167 billion in total economic activity across Canada, deliver over CAD 86 billion in economic impact, and over 650,000 job-years across Canada during the life of the project. Thus, the partnership will not only deepen our joint defense cooperation, but also open up a new dimension of industrial collaboration.
"Canada's decision in favour of Team 212CD is a tremendous success for TKMS – and a powerful validation of our strategy. With the spin-off of TKMS, we laid the foundation for the company to unfold its full potential as an independent champion in the international naval business. Today's announcement proves that this was the right path. We are convinced that this trilateral partnership between Canada, Germany and Norway will create lasting value – for TKMS, for our shareholders and for the transatlantic security architecture. thyssenkrupp stands firmly by TKMS's side as the company takes this important step," said Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp AG.
TKMS thanks all employees and teams involved for their tireless efforts, its Canadian Partners, and the Governments of Germany and Norway for their strong support and the significant contribution they made throughout the competition. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership. As the program enters its next phase, TKMS will work closely with the Government of Canada, Germany, Norway and Canadian industry partners to advance contract negotiations, industrial planning, workforce development and implementation activities. TKMS expects to deliver the first 212CD submarine by 2033.
More information at: www.team212cd.ca
Noah Note: Take note of the TKMS timelines versus the Feds announcement. We'll work to get more info soon.
If the earlier timeline is somehow accurate then I really don’t know what to think.
I was supporting Hanwha for the earlier delivery + VLS as a bonus, but with the 212CD potentially making up the lost ground the choice is suddenly a lot harder.
Very hard to turn down being part of a large NATO fleet with a submarine that is — in theory — technologically superior in some areas. My biggest fear with the KS-III was being saddled with an orphan fleet once South Korea moves on from the platform.
I was hoping for the Korean option, I have very little faith TKMS will deliver even remotely on time.
That said, if it works out, its a great sub and awesome news.