The German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Canadian firm Marmen to participate in the production of key components for the Type 212CD submarine, which has been proposed to equip the Royal Canadian Navy as part of the replacement process for the current Victoria-class submarines.
The agreement, formalized through a Teaming Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishes that Marmen will be responsible for manufacturing selected sections of the submarine and complex assemblies, bringing its high-precision manufacturing expertise to one of the most advanced conventional submarines currently in service. The initiative reflects TKMS’s intention to integrate the Canadian defense industry into its naval production industrial chain.
Thomas Keupp, TKMS Chief Sales Officer, highlighted the scope of the cooperation, stating: “Through this strategic partnership with Marmen, we are expanding our industrial footprint in Canada and leveraging the strengths of Quebec’s manufacturing ecosystem. Marmen’s innovative approach will play a key role in supporting the 212CD program and the needs of the Royal Canadian Navy.”
According to reports, the inclusion of Marmen will allow TKMS to expand its production capacity and facilitate a knowledge transfer process to Canada, aimed at ensuring sovereign in-service support throughout the entire life cycle of the program. The economic impact will begin with the signing of the contract, driven by investments in equipment and industrial infrastructure, with the expectation of generating hundreds of new jobs.
For his part, Patrick Pellerin, President of Marmen, stated: “TKMS has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and visionary leadership in the development of Canada’s industrial capabilities. Marmen is proud to collaborate with TKMS on a program of such national significance. Our teams in Trois-Rivières and across Quebec bring extensive experience in complex manufacturing, and we are excited to contribute our capabilities to the next generation of submarine technology for Canada.”
The collaboration also underscores the role of the province of Quebec within the defense industrial sector. In particular, the city of Trois-Rivières is recognized for its high level of industrial excellence, advanced capabilities, and highly skilled workforce, consolidating its position as a relevant player within Canada’s maritime and defense supply chain.
This announcement comes at a time when the Canadian government is moving forward with the selection process for a future supplier of up to twelve new submarines. In October, the defense ministers of Germany and Norway held meetings with their Canadian counterpart and with local lawmakers to promote the Type 212CD submarine as a replacement for the Victoria class. According to local reports, the competition is currently limited to TKMS and South Korean company Hanwha.
Regarding these negotiations, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin is working on a proposal that would include industrial offset mechanisms. Among the options being considered is the possible acquisition by Germany of a combat management system produced in Canada, with Lockheed Martin Canada’s CMS 330 emerging as the leading candidate.
The minister also noted that TKMS has made offers to involve Canadian industry both in submarine construction and in the component supply network. Furthermore, in response to Hanwha’s claims regarding its ability to deliver on shortened timelines, Pistorius stated that the German company plans to increase its production rate, with the goal of manufacturing between three and four submarines per year starting in 2027.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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