Canada has shortlisted Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (Germany) and Hanwha Ocean (South Korea) as finalists to supply up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The decision marks a key step in replacing Canada’s aging submarine fleet.
The procurement effort, known as the Patrol Submarine Project, is intended to succeed the Victoria-class submarines, which were acquired secondhand from the UK in the late 1990s. These boats are expected to retire by the mid-2030s, making their replacement a pressing priority for Ottawa.
The program is projected to cost up to 43 billion Canadian dollars ($31.1 billion) over its lifecycle. According to current plans, the first of the new submarines must be delivered no later than 2035, ensuring a smooth transition for the fleet.
Launched in September 2024, the competition attracted 25 proposals from global shipbuilders. After a detailed review, only Thyssenkrupp and Hanwha met the demanding requirements for long endurance, advanced stealth, and Arctic operational capability.
