By Canadian Press on August 17, 2026.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of German submarine maker ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), participates in an interview in Ottawa, on Monday, March 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
OTTAWA — The head of the German company chosen as the preferred bidder for Canada’s next fleet of submarines says he envisions partnering with other European shipyards to speed up production on future orders.
But the company clarified on Monday this would only cover future projects, and not Canada’s expected order for a fleet of 212CD submarines.
TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard says he’s interested in exploring having other shipyards facing a dearth of contracts do some of the work on future submarines, and suggested an early partner could be Spanish submarine maker Navantia.
The CEO is in Ottawa today meeting with representatives from dozens of Canadian businesses partnering on the project to supply Canada’s submarine program.
Prime Minister Mark Carney named TKMS as the government’s preferred bidder in July, just before heading off to the annual NATO leaders’ summit.
Canada plans to purchase a fleet of up to 12 submarines to replace its aging four Victoria-class submarines, which will be retired from service in the mid-2030s.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2026.
Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press
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