Canadian federal officials and the Defence Investment Agency discussed the proposal in Ottawa with TKMS and Norway’s Kongsberg, which supplies the submarines’ combat management system. Three sources told CBC the eight-plus-four arrangement had been under consideration since consultations in Europe in September.
TKMS built its industrial offer around a 12-boat purchase and is assessing what an initial order for eight would mean for its proposed Canadian investments. The German side is also discussing the implications with nearly 400 suppliers involved in building the submarines.
The offer includes setting up facilities in Canada to maintain and overhaul the boats and train their crews, with work for domestic companies, research centres and specialist suppliers. TKMS says that would give Canada more control over keeping the fleet in service.
Buying 12 submarines would cost an estimated C$20 billion to C$24 billion, with another C$100 billion or so to operate them for 20 years, CBC reported. Eight boats would still be twice the size of the Royal Canadian Navy’s current four-boat Victoria-class fleet.
Canada selected the German-Norwegian Type 212CD in July over Hanwha Ocean’s KSS-III and expects to sign a contract by the end of 2027. Germany and Norway have each ordered six Type 212CDs, and freeing up some of their production slots could allow Canadian deliveries to start before all 12 of those boats are delivered.
Ottawa wants submarines with the range to patrol Arctic waters and the ability to operate under ice. The 73-metre Type 212CD uses air-independent propulsion, which allows it to remain submerged for extended periods.
