Canada shortlists TKMS and Hanwha Ocean for next-gen submarine project

August 27, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The Canadian Government has identified German shipbuilding company thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Korean company Hanwha Ocean as the two qualified suppliers for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

This decision was informed by a thorough assessment of Canada’s requirements for the CPSP, including construction and delivery timelines for the new submarine fleet. Canada also engaged with other governments and militaries to exchange lessons learned and to gain insights into their respective submarine acquisitions, infrastructure, and sustainment programs.

As the current global environment continues to evolve, the CPSP is an opportunity to diversify Canada’s defence partnerships. According to the officials, Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and the Royal Canadian Navy needs to be equipped with modern underwater surveillance capability to protect the country’s security and Arctic sovereignty.

As part of the next steps, Canada will conduct in-depth engagements with the two qualified suppliers to continue to advance the procurement process. The delivery of the first Canadian patrol submarine will be no later than 2035.

“Diversifying our trade partnerships is crucial to ensuring Canada meets the moment as global circumstances evolve. The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, in collaboration with TKMS and Hanwha as the 2 qualified suppliers, is an opportunity to work with allies and strengthen our defence industrial capacity. This is a critical step toward equipping the Royal Canadian Navy with next-generation capabilities our Navy needs to protect our sovereignty and support our allies,” Joël Lightbound. Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, said.

“The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project will safeguard Canada’s sovereignty and strengthen partnerships with our allies by delivering next-generation submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy. The advanced submarines will give our Navy the confidence and capabilities to respond effectively to emerging threats, while creating opportunities for Canadian industry. Identifying TKMS and Hanwha as the qualified suppliers marks an important step toward the procurement of this critical capability,” Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), stated.

The Victoria-class submarines currently in use by the Royal Canadian Navy were purchased used from the Royal Navy in 1998. The first three Victoria-class submarines were accepted into service in the Royal Canadian Navy between 2000 and 2003.

The fourth submarine suffered a fire in transit to Canada in 2004, which delayed its acceptance into Royal Canadian Navy service until 2015.

The Royal Canadian Navy’s current submarine fleet will remain operational into the mid-to-late 2030s.

The CPSP was established in 2021 to inform timely governmental decision-making about a potential replacement class of submarines and avoid any gap in Canadian submarine capabilities.

The intention of the project is to acquire up to 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.