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Canada orders submarines from Germany ahead of NATO summit
🇩🇪 Germany /Elections & Politics

Canada orders submarines from Germany ahead of NATO summit

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Canada has ordered up to twelve submarines from German shipbuilder TKMS, a deal worth an estimated 20 billion euros.
  • The contract secures jobs on Germany's Baltic coast and marks TKMS's largest submarine order in its history.
  • The decision strengthens German-Canadian defense ties and is seen as a strategic move amid geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Russia.

Canada is set to acquire up to twelve submarines from German naval manufacturer TKMS, in a deal estimated to be worth around 20 billion euros. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision, highlighting a significant collaboration between Canada and Germany in defense.

This substantial order is a major boost for TKMS, representing the largest submarine contract in the company's history. It will secure jobs for the German shipbuilding industry along the Baltic coast. The German government, including Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, has actively supported the deal, emphasizing its importance for collective deterrence against Russia and for security in the North Atlantic, Arctic, and northern regions.

The submarines will be of the Type 212CD model, a design jointly developed by Germany and Norway. This common design aims to reduce costs and facilitate cooperation, with Canada now joining as a third major partner. The move aligns with Canada's strategic interests in protecting communication and trade routes across the Atlantic and potential NATO supply lines.

We want to ensure security side by side in the North Atlantic, the high north, and yes, the Arctic.

— Boris PistoriusThe German Defense Minister explained the strategic importance of the submarine deal.

The decision comes as Canada seeks to diversify its military procurement, with approximately 80 percent of its military goods previously sourced from the United States. Relations with the U.S. have been strained under President Donald Trump, prompting Canada to seek stronger partnerships elsewhere. TKMS secured the contract over South Korean competitor Hanwha Ocean after an intensive bidding process.

While specific financial details were not disclosed by Canada or TKMS, sources suggest the submarines, including service and maintenance over the coming decades, could represent a total financial volume of around 100 billion Canadian dollars. The deal is also expected to include extensive offset deals aimed at strengthening broader German-Canadian economic relations.

It's about a strategic partnership with Canada.

— Boris PistoriusThe German Defense Minister emphasized the broader implications of the defense cooperation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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