Fincantieri: Wass Submarine Systems and Magellan Aerospace sign agreement to support Canadian underwater defense capabilities
Press Release + Noah Note
Fincantieri, through its subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems, a leader in the design and development of advanced underwater defense systems, and Magellan Aerospace Corporation (“Magellan”), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to identify and develop areas of industrial cooperation aimed at strengthening Canada’s defense sovereignty and enhancing its underwater defense capabilities. The agreement was signed during CANSEC 2026, the defense exhibition recently held in Ottawa, Canada.
Within this framework, WASS Submarine Systems and Magellan will work together to explore opportunities for Canadian industrial participation in heavyweight torpedoes and torpedo countermeasures system capabilities. Areas of cooperation include the production of components, energetic sections, subassemblies, final assembly and factory testing, as well as maintenance and in-service support activities.
With over 150 years of heritage in underwater defense, WASS brings extensive industrial and technological expertise in advanced underwater systems to this collaboration. The agreement provides a foundation for progressive cooperation between the two companies, contributing to the development of a sustainable and competitive industrial capability in Canada across the lifecycle of underwater defense systems. By combining WASS’ long-standing expertise in underwater defense systems with Magellan’s established industrial presence in Canada, the collaboration aims to support the long-term development of sovereign underwater capabilities, strengthen local industrial participation, and enable sustainable in-country sustainment.
Noah Note: Maybe something interesting in the future… Vard was showing off a Black Shark torpedo at CANSEC, and they seemed very keen to discuss it. I had a feeling Fincantieri was trying to do something after that, and now we have confirmation.
Note the wording as well with Torpedo Countermeasures. No MU90, we would never abandon the 54 anyways, but do make note. That could lead to some interesting ideas around Black Scorpion.
Both the KSS-III, with the Babcock Weapons Handling System and the 212CD could utilizing the Black Shark. The 212CD is outright advertised with it, but the KSS-III could use it too. It's definetly a long-shot, but there is the slight possibility.
I doubt much happens if we don't use Black Shark. Magellan though does seem keen to break into the wider Undersea market and BlackShark has a big in with other German Sub users, and Scorpene. There is a market there, and people across the spectrum are trying to upscale hard.
In a 212CD scenario, maybe there is an argument for Canada as a wider exporter of multiple torpedo systems to the German submarine market? The TKMS team says they need more capacity across the board, a lot more capacity, so I am interested in the hypotheticals.