German shipbuilder urges European collaboration, eyeing Canadian corvette production

Oliver Burkhard, chief executive of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, told one outlet that deeper cooperation among European shipyards is essential to satisfy a market where customers have money but little time. He cited a recent cooperation agreement with the Spanish state-owned Navantia, exploring joint work on naval projects and possible construction of TKMS submarine designs in Spain. Burkhard said the Canadian navy, which is building River-Class destroyers and planning German-built submarines, also needs smaller, ice-capable corvettes, and the MEKO A-100 design could be built in Canada with his firm supplying the material package.

Although no formal offer has been presented, he indicated readiness to discuss the option. The remarks precede his Ottawa visit, where he will meet partners involved in Canada’s submarine program, which the Carney government has named TKMS as preferred supplier, aiming for a contract by the end of 2027. Defence analysts welcomed the idea, noting it could strengthen Canada’s defence industry and mirror past European aerospace collaboration like Airbus.