Germany and Norway’s defense ministers met with Canada to discuss plans for a new submarine project, enhancing the North Atlantic through trilateral cooperation.
Over the next few years, Canada plans to replace four of its older submarines. One of the bidders competing for the contract to construct the replacement models is South Korea.
It is anticipated that the Canadian government would decide on the project no later than April.
“We are here in Ottawa to further expand our maritime security partnership with Canada. The reason for this is obvious. Russia is not only threatening the Eastern flank and sending drones to Europe, it is also active in the North Atlantic,” Pistorius said. “Here, too, we need to be vigilant and maintain our ability to act.”
“Together, we want to improve our protection of the critical maritime infrastructure and the sea lines of communication in the North Atlantic. More specifically, we are increasing our presence on the northern flank,”
he added.
The German Defense Ministry claims that the 73-meter-long German-Norwegian submarines are harder for adversaries to find because of their enhanced sensor equipment, longer range, and lower sound signature. Additionally, the boat’s technology for communication and situational awareness is being praised.
In 2021, Germany and Norway commissioned Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Germany’s largest naval shipbuilder, to construct the submarines.
Germany has purchased six submarines, which are expected to arrive between 2032 and 2037. The same number was ordered by Norway.
How would joining affect Canada’s submarine crew training and basing?
Canadian submariners would originally admit introductory and political training in Germany and Norway to familiarize themselves with the advanced Type 212CD platform. This common training approach leverages the moxie and established installations of mate nations, easing interoperability and participating functional procedures.
Over time, Canada aims to repudiate much of the training back home, erecting public capacity for submarine instruction. This transition will bear substantial investment in training structure, simulators, and good preceptors.
The switch from four Victoria- class subs to over 12 Type 212CD submarines will expand the submarine service significantly. Canada will need to increase reclamation, diversify crew skill sets, and apply presto- tracked submarine reclamation models to make and sustain a larger, high- tech line. The cooperation anticipates the submarine line between Canada’s east and west beachfronts, roughly six subs per seacoast.