Toronto Sun reports that Canada has taken a significant step in upgrading its naval defences by partnering with a German defence contractor to build new submarines.
Speaking to reporters on a Canadian warship in Halifax, Prime Minister Mark revealed that Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has been chosen as Canada's preferred supplier to provide up to 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.
The new submarines are expected to have a significant impact on Canada's naval capabilities, allowing the Royal Canadian Navy to patrol without being detected and project its strength in waters where other ships cannot be as efficient, the Prime Minister said.
The current Victoria-class submarines are at the end of their lifespan, with only one of the four in Canada's fleet considered seaworthy, according to the Prime Minister.
The procurement process is expected to have the greatest economic impact of any defence investment in Canadian history, said Minister of National Defence Anita Anand.
The new submarines will be NATO-interoperable and will be built by TKMS, with the first four boats expected to be delivered by 2034.
The submarines will be equipped with air-independent fuel cell-powered diesel engines charging lithium-ion battery banks, allowing up to 30 crew and officers to spend upwards of 41 days submerged.
Canada will be entering negotiations to purchase HDW Class 212CD diesel-electric attack submarines, which are currently used by the German and Norwegian navies and are billed as among the stealthiest in the world.
While the specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Minister Anand confirmed that the costs of purchasing the submarines have already been provisioned for in the fiscal framework and are included in the budget.
The government has reserved the right to enter into an agreement with Hanwha Ocean, South Korea, if negotiations with TKMS do not pan out.
