German shipbuilder TKMS has signed cooperation agreements with Indigenous organizations from across Canada, establishing a Pan-Canadian framework to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
The first agreement brings together Indigenous partners Songhees Development Corporation, Des Nedhe Group Defence, and Glooscap Ventures.
In addition, a second agreement has been signed with the Inuit Development Corporation Association to support Arctic-focused initiatives linked to the Nation Building effort.
Both agreements create a framework for structured collaboration, leveraging the industrial, economic, and cultural strengths of Indigenous partners across Canada.
The parties aim to work together to establish mechanisms that promote meaningful participation in industrial projects related to Canada’s submarine program.
Through both agreements, TKMS affirms its commitment to supporting reconciliation objectives while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
The collaboration is intended to increase skilled employment opportunities, enhance domestic value creation, and foster durable economic benefits that contribute to the growth and expansion of Indigenous economies and labour forces across Canada.
Representatives of the indigenous partners emphasized the importance of early, meaningful engagement in major national defence programs and the opportunity to participate in governance, industrial and technological benefits (ITB) delivery, and workforce development initiatives connected to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Program (CPSP).
“Indigenous partnership is fundamental and a top priority for TKMS,” said Rick Gerbrecht , Managing Director of TKMS Canada.
“ For TKMS, collaboration on equal terms with Indigenous partners is essential to building a credible, nationbuilding program for Canada’s submarine capability. The question is not whether to partner, but with whom. We are committed to long-term relationships based on trust, shared value creation, and measurable outcomes.”
To remind, TKMS recently signed a teaming agreement with aerospace company Magellan Aerospace Corporation aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation in support of Canada’s future submarine capabilities.
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