Launch of trilateral cooperation: Germany, Norway, Canada and TKMS begin planning phase for the 212CD program
Press Release + Noah Note
A four-day planning event brought together representatives from the partner countries and TKMS in Kiel.
The event marked the operational launch of the multilateral cooperation.
The focus was on jointly planning the next program phases, establishing multitlateral working structures, and preparing for contract negotiations.
Kiel, August 10, 2026 – Representatives from Germany, Norway, Canada, TKMS, KONGSBERG and Multiconsult met in Kiel at the end of July for the first joint planning event for the 212CD program. The event marks the operational start of multilateral cooperation among the partners, only three weeks after TKMS’s selection as Preferred Supplier in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer of TKMS: “The selection of TKMS as Preferred Supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is a significant milestone. With the first trilateral planning event, we are jointly laying the foundation for a trusting and cooperative partnership with Germany, Norway and Canada. The 212CD program combines cutting-edge technology with a shared security vision and will sustainably strengthen maritime cooperation within NATO.”
The four-day event focused on joint planning of the next program phases, the establishment of multilateral working structures, and the preparation of upcoming contract negotiations. In addition, the foundations were laid for close cooperation between the navies, procurement organizations and industry.
With Canada’s participation, the 212CD program will evolve into a unique multinational NATO cooperation. The aim is to further enhance naval interoperability, create synergies across the entire submarine lifecycle, and sustainably strengthen maritime security in the North Atlantic and the Arctic region.
The first multilateral planning event in Kiel marks the beginning of an intensive phase of cooperation between Germany, Norway, Canada and TKMS. In the coming weeks negotiations to formalize agreements will be undertaken, as the partners further deepen their joint planning and preparations for the next steps of program implementation.
Noah Note: We are unlikely to hear much of this meeting, of anything, however it is by fsr among the most consuquential of thos process. The launch of a proper trilateral working group will set the stage for almost everything going forward. It will sit as the forum of exchange, where future concepts are developed, where we discuss things like shared parts, common training, and personnel exchanges.
It marks the official beginning of deeper planning for the future submarine fleet, something that I think still feels weird to me, because I couldn't expect it to come so quickly, even after everything. Either way, this is one of those ‘Important moments of history that will be brushed off save for dudes writing books thirty years from now.’ as with much of navy history.
It is a milestone, but one that itself does not shift much yet, that will come with time. That's often I find why moments like this get brushed from many timelines and people charting moments of programs.
Now we can start discussing the hull insert to the turn the u212cd into the glorious u212cde. Just kidding not kidding. Couldn’t help myself. Trying to keep the dream alive. Actually what the hell I’m calling it right now. At some point over the next 2 years it’ll be realized that a few u212cd’s with some serious endurance would be really kinda super duper incredibly useful and half of our order will be converted to the expeditionary variant. I mean geez it’s only a 6m insert. How hard could it be? (I know i know it’s hard). Please don’t burst my bubble that I’m happily living in.
This is better news than the down selection. Awesome