OTTAWA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has been selected as the preferred supplier to begin negotiations for delivering the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) next fleet of submarines.
The initiative, known as the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, is the largest defence procurement in Canadian history.
According to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office, the proposed German TKMS 212CD submarines feature ultra-low acoustic and magnetic signatures, enabling them to conduct Arctic patrol, undersea surveillance, and special forces deployment while maintaining full interoperability with NATO allies.
The Canadian government and TKMS will now enter negotiations to finalize contracts and arrangements. Canada aims to conclude contracting no later than the end of 2027, with the first four submarines expected to be delivered by 2034.
If negotiations with the preferred supplier are unsuccessful, Canada may designate South Korea's Hanwha Ocean as the preferred supplier to enter subsequent talks, said the release.
The procurement came as the RCN faces severe aging issues within its current fleet, with only one of its four Victoria-class submarines currently seaworthy. Canada plans to acquire up to 12 conventional, modernized submarines to replace the outdated fleet, the release added. ■