Canada plans to acquire up to a dozen state-of-the-art diesel-electric 212CD submarines from German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to patrol its three coasts and secure Arctic sovereignty, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. The procurement, announced early last month, represents the largest in Canadian history at an estimated $24 billion, with the underwater fleet slated to replace the aging Victoria-class vessels by 2034.
Securing Arctic Waters and the Lomonosov Ridge
Patrolling Canada’s three coasts forms a core mandate for the new fleet, according to retired vice-admiral Darren Hawco, who commanded Canada’s Atlantic Fleet and served as the nation’s military representative to NATO until 2020. With extensive Arctic responsibilities, submarines serve as vital strategic assets for the country, Hawco stated. The immediate threat in the North centers on overlapping undersea claims between Canada and Russia. Hawco noted that Russia’s return on investment in the region relies on staking claims to the 1,800-kilometre-long Lomonosov Ridge beneath the Arctic Ocean. The answer to that territorial pressure, according to Hawco, involves deploying a covert, super-quiet submarine capable of operating at extreme distances and neutralizing nearby threats.
Protecting Critical Undersea Infrastructure
Beyond territorial defense in the North, the submarines will protect vital underwater infrastructure, including trans-oceanic fibre-optic communication cables. According to retired vice-admiral Mark Norman, former commander of the navy, roughly 90 percent of global telecommunications run across the seabed, contrary to the popular belief that most data travels via satellites. Norman pointed out that the early stages of the conflict in Ukraine demonstrated the extreme vulnerability of underwater infrastructure. To safeguard these assets, the TKMS 212CD submarines offer a range of 7,000 nautical miles, or 13,000 kilometres, allowing them to travel vast distances and remain on patrol for extended periods, Norman said.
Did you know? The TKMS 212CD submarines feature air-independent propulsion that allows them to remain submerged for about three weeks. This capability lets them operate completely invisibly in the approaches to Canada’s Arctic coast and archipelago.
Surveillance and the Future of Seabed Mining
As undersea mining gains economic importance, the new fleet will monitor Canada’s continental shelf to prevent the illicit extraction of critical minerals. Hawco referenced Japanese reports detailing rare earth minerals recovered from offshore mud, illustrating the vast amount of unexplored and unexploited resources located on seabeds. In addition to resource protection, the submarines will execute intelligence-gathering and surveillance missions for NATO, tracking surface ships, foreign submarines, and land-based targets, according to Norman. Norman added that these vessels will likely operate alongside underwater drones, noting that stealth remains essential because finding a submarine still resembles finding a needle in a haystack.
Weighing Strategic Weapons vs. European Integration
Canada selected the German 212CD design over the larger South Korean Hanwha KSS-III model, factoring in economic and strategic goals alongside the Carney government’s objective to integrate into European supply chains. While the South Korean option offered a vertical launch system capable of firing the Hyunmoo-4 ballistic missile—a heavy weapon capable of reaching Moscow from the Gulf of Finland—Canada chose not to pursue that strategic capability. Hawco stated that NATO’s current military expectations for Canada do not include such a capability. Norman acknowledged that passing on the South Korean bid meant skipping a transformational war-fighting asset, though he noted that the absence of that capability does not automatically constitute a vulnerability under current alliance frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Canada’s new submarines be ready?
The new fleet of up to 12 submarines could be ready by 2034, according to statements surrounding the procurement announcement.
How long can the new 212CD submarines remain submerged?
Equipped with air-independent propulsion, the submarines can stay submerged for approximately three weeks, allowing for covert operations in sensitive patrol areas.
Why did Canada choose the German submarines over South Korean alternatives?
The decision factored in economic and strategic considerations, including alignment with European supply chains, rather than purely technical specifications.
Stay Updated on Defense Policy
Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on Canadian military procurement, naval operations, and Arctic security.
Related reading