Germany and Norway are making a strong push to secure Canada's next submarine contract, proposing a shared fleet concept to bolster NATO's presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The two nations are offering their Type 212CD submarines as part of a collaborative effort that would see Canada, Germany, and Norway operating a common fleet. This approach emphasizes shared training, maintenance, and upgrades, creating a stronger allied undersea force.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told CBC News that Germany is committed to delivering four operational submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy by 2036. To meet this ambitious timeline, both Germany and Norway are prepared to reallocate existing production slots from their own submarine orders. Marte Gerhardsen, Norway's state secretary to the minister of defence, indicated that the Norwegian navy is willing to adjust its production schedule to accommodate Canada's needs. "We really, really want to get Canada as a partner in this project and we want to help Canada out," Gerhardsen said. "We know that Canada needs submarines fast".
The Canadian government is currently evaluating bids for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), a C$60 billion program to acquire up to twelve new submarines. The German-Norwegian proposal faces competition from South Korea's Hanwha Ocean, which is offering its KSS-III Batch II submarines. A final decision is expected before the end of June 2026. The German-Norwegian offer highlights the potential for closer NATO collaboration and a stronger, more unified approach to Arctic security. Pistorius emphasized the strategic advantages of a shared fleet, stating, "We are talking about NATO requirements, NATO capabilities, so there is nothing to lose".
