Representatives from Germany, Norway, Canada, TKMS, KONGSBERG and Multiconsult met in Kiel at the end of July for the first joint planning event for the 212CD program.
The four-day event focused on joint planning of the next program phases, the establishment of multilateral working structures, and the preparation of upcoming contract negotiations.
In addition, the foundations were laid for close cooperation between the navies, procurement organizations and industry.
The event marks the operational start of multilateral cooperation among the partners, only three weeks after TKMS’s selection as Preferred Supplier in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
The first multilateral planning event in Kiel marks the beginning of an intensive phase of cooperation between Germany, Norway, Canada and TKMS. In the coming weeks negotiations to formalize agreements will be undertaken, as the partners further deepen their joint planning and preparations for the next steps of program implementation.
“The selection of TKMS as Preferred Supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is a significant milestone. With the first trilateral planning event, we are jointly laying the foundation for a trusting and cooperative partnership with Germany, Norway and Canada. The 212CD program combines cutting-edge technology with a shared security vision and will sustainably strengthen maritime cooperation within NATO," Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer of TKMS, said.
The Type 212CD submarine program is a joint German-Norwegian submarine procurement and industrial cooperation centered on a new conventional submarine design developed by TKMS.
The cooperation dates back to 2017, when Norway selected Germany as its strategic partner for replacing the Royal Norwegian Navy's Ula-class submarines. In 2018, Norway's Defence Materiel Agency and its German counterpart signed a program agreement covering the acquisition of identical submarines for the two navies. Norway subsequently signed a contract with TKMS in 2021 for four submarines, while Germany ordered two, bringing the initial program total to six boats.
In July 2026, Canada announced that it would join the program and procure up to 12 submarines of the same type. The Canadian government said the decision would establish a new submarine partnership with Germany and Norway and strengthen NATO's defense capabilities in the North.