In a significant development for Canada’s maritime defense strategy, the federal government is considering an offer from Germany and Norway to secure early access to the new 212 CD class submarines. This move could reshape Canada’s naval capabilities, especially in the Arctic, as the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) looks to replace its aging fleet of Victoria-class submarines.
The proposal, highlighted by the German ambassador to Canada, Tjorven Bellmann, involves the 212 CD submarine, currently in development by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the German and Norwegian navies. Each country plans to procure six of these submarines, but if Canada joins the project, it would not have to wait until all 12 vessels are delivered to its European partners. This offer positions Canada at the forefront of a cutting-edge submarine program, potentially enhancing its naval readiness far sooner than anticipated.
The 212 CD submarines are designed with modern warfare in mind, boasting features like stealth technology that reduces their sonar signature, making them hard to detect. They are also equipped to operate under ice, a critical capability given Canada’s vast Arctic coastline. Additionally, an anti-torpedo torpedo system is in development, further illustrating Germany’s commitment to leading-edge naval technology.
Canada’s current fleet, the Victoria-class submarines, has served the RCN since the late 1990s after being purchased second-hand from the UK. With these submarines nearing the end of their service life, the need for a modern replacement is urgent. Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, has emphasized the necessity of submarines for national defense, particularly citing the geopolitical climate where adversaries like China and Russia possess submarine-launched weaponry capable of reaching Canadian soil.
However, the decision to pursue German-designed submarines is not without its complexities. Vice-Adm. Topshee has highlighted that while every bidder promises much, Canada must meticulously assess which submarine best aligns with its strategic needs. The considerations include not just the capabilities of the submarines but also the cost, delivery timeline, maintenance, and how well they can integrate with existing Canadian and NATO naval operations.
The offer from Germany and Norway comes at a time when Canada has expressed a preference for conventionally powered submarines over nuclear ones, citing both cost and strategic fit. The 212 CD, powered by a combination of diesel and electric batteries, aligns with this preference, offering a capability that, while not matching nuclear submarines in endurance, provides a balance of cost, technology, and operational range.
This potential acquisition also reflects a broader strategic realignment for Canada, especially in light of increasingly unpredictable relations with its closest ally, the United States. Vice-Adm. Topshee pointed out the need for Canada to maintain its own “definitive deterrent in Canadian waters,” suggesting a shift towards greater naval self-reliance.
The prospect of joining this trilateral project with Germany and Norway could also extend beyond the submarines themselves, fostering deeper defense-industrial cooperation and interoperability within NATO. This could prove beneficial not only for naval operations but also for Canada’s defense industrial base, potentially leading to local jobs in maintenance and support.
As discussions continue and Canada sorts through the myriad of offers on the table from various international suppliers, the move towards acquiring German-designed submarines represents a pivotal moment. It’s a decision that could define Canada’s naval posture for decades, ensuring it remains a formidable presence in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions amidst growing global security challenges.