Germany’s armament state secretary, Jens Plötner, has suggested that Canada could potentially construct more than half of the twelve submarines planned for purchase by the navy. Plötner emphasized that the decision lies with the Canadian government, highlighting the industrial feasibility and potential strategic advantages of such an approach.
In an exclusive interview with CBC News, Plötner acknowledged the scale of the submarine acquisition program and proposed a scenario where the initial submarine could be built in Germany while subsequent vessels could be constructed in Canada. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), one of the contenders for Canada’s submarine fleet contract, has experience in establishing production facilities abroad, as seen in South Korea’s entry into the submarine industry.
The possibility of Canada developing its own submarine manufacturing facility has been discussed, with Plötner emphasizing the benefits of enhancing national resilience during crises. TKMS, facing production capacity constraints, would need to either acquire a Canadian shipyard or form partnerships to implement such a plan successfully.
Ultimately, the decision on the submarine contract award will consider factors such as job creation and economic benefits for Canada, as stated by Stephen Fuhr, the cabinet secretary overseeing the Defence Investment Agency. The submarine replacement program will be overseen by the newly established Defence Investment Agency.
