TKMS brings unmatched experience and credibility to the 212CD program. Since 1960, TKMS has delivered more than 70% of NATO allies’ submarine capabilities and is the only provider offering a low-risk, Military-Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) conventional submarine solution.
total years of operation
partner navies worldwide
years of experience in shipbuilding
and maritime technology
Canada’s future submarine program is more than a fleet replacement. It is a long-term investment in national industrial strength, workforce development, and economic resilience.
Through Team 212CD, Canada can leverage an established multinational program to create high-skilled employment, strengthen domestic industrial capabilities, and ensure long-term economic participation across construction, sustainment, and through-life support. TKMS’s long-standing partnerships in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic regions provide the experience required to implement a program of this scale while maximizing Canada’s economic and workforce development potential.
This approach ensures that economic value is created in Canada not only at the point of build, but over decades of operation.
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A True Trilateral Partnership: Canada — Germany — Norway
Team 212CD is built on a comprehensive, government-backed partnership that integrates industrial, technological, and strategic cooperation across the entire program lifecycle.
Working closely with the Governments of Germany and Norway, TKMS enables the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project to evolve into a true trilateral framework. This includes coordinated policy, export, and long-term industrial commitments, as well as joint research and innovation initiatives focused on submarine technologies, digital sustainment, and Arctic operations.
Since 1960, TKMS has signed contracts for more than 180 submarines, with approximately 40% produced in customer countries demonstrating a consistent ability to transfer know-how, build local capability, and strengthen national economies.
Everything you need to know about the HDW Class 212CD and how this transatlantic partnership delivers Arctic capability, economic prosperity, and strategic security for Canada.
Canada is not just acquiring submarines, it is investing in its sovereignty, security, and industrial strength. TKMS brings: Arctic readiness: With superior underwater endurance and ultra-low acoustic signatures, our submarines are designed to perform in the extreme conditions of the Canadian Arctic, where sovereignty must be enforced below the ice. NATO alignment: By joining the HDW Class 212CD program, Canada strengthens interoperability with key NATO allies like Germany and Norway, unlocking opportunities for shared maintenance and repair, training, logistics, and operations. Sustainability leadership: Our shipyard transformation in Kiel (400M$ investment) and clean propulsion systems make the 212CD the most environmentally conscious conventional submarine in the world.
Political & NATO Integration: TKMS helps Canada align more closely with its European NATO partners. Since 1960, TKMS has built 70% of NATO's conventional submarine fleet, maximizing the potential for interoperability between nations. Joint procurement enhances Canada’s strategic presence within the alliance and facilitates joint operations.
Military & Arctic Sovereignty: Submarines are Canada’s only covert strategic assets capable of executing lengthy Arctic operations. The HDW Class 212CD’s quiet propulsion and extended submerged endurance are ideal for surveillance and deterrence.
Economic & Industrial Growth: Our offer supports Canada’s defense industrial strategy and directly contributes to local development across all provinces and territories in Canada. The industrial footprint we propose will last beyond the construction phase, strengthening the Canadian economy for decades.
TKMS is engaging with Canadian suppliers, shipyards, and academic institutions. We will sign formal teaming agreements with Canadian companies for maintenance, component manufacturing, and subsystem integration. These collaborations will also encompass training programs, supply chain management, and class management and certification. Furthermore, TKMS is committed to supporting digital transformation initiatives and investing in R&D to drive innovation and long-term capability development within Canada.
TKMS has an existing production line on which identical submarines are in production for Germany and Norway. These two NATO countries are jointly procuring and operating these identical 212CD (Common Design) by using the common language on board, common operating procedures, common logistics chains, and common sustainment facilities. The development of such a conventional submarine program is unparalleled in modern Navy production, and was the product of a decade of close cooperation between the German and Norwegian navies. In all phases of the lifecycle of the CPSP, Canada will be invited to join "Team 212CD" and receive transfer of know-how on the most advanced conventional submarine every produced. Additionally, TKMS is committed to creating a national knowledge base in Canada. Our approach includes: Training Canadian personnel in Germany and on-site in Canada; Creating a long-term skills transfer pipeline for engineers, technicians, and naval staff; Making core elements of our underwater intellectual property available under controlled, sovereign frameworks; Helping Canada build the capability to upgrade and sustain its submarine fleet independently, with Canadian companies in the lead.
TKMS has a proven record of delivery: more than 180 submarines for 20 navies, always within scope, time, and budget. Since 1960, we have been in a continuous build cycle, delivering platforms in Germany and abroad, which allows us to scale up quickly and ensure Canada’s needs are met. Additionally, the addition of a second build facility in Wismar, Germany, guarantees that build speeds will increase and further derisks submarine programs for NATO and partner countries.
TKMS ensures predictability, transparency, and reliability. We believe in long-term cooperation, not just transactional contracts. With Canada, we aim to build a lasting partnership where both countries benefit from shared expertise, aligned defense priorities, and collaborative innovation.
Designed for Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific operations
Contact TKMS
For project details, partnerships, or inquiries, reach out to our dedicated TKMS representatives.
