File photo — Prime Minister Mark Carney, right and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems CEO Oliver Burkhardt, centre speak with Captain Jeremy in front of a 212A class submarine under maintenance as they tour the submarine building facility in Kiel, Germany on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Navy commander says Canada could end up with subs from two different suppliers
OTTAWA - Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee says the Royal Canadian Navy could end up with submarines supplied by both companies vying for Ottawa’s lucrative sub procurement contract — and there could be advantages to diversifying the fleet.
File photo — Prime Minister Mark Carney, right and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems CEO Oliver Burkhardt, centre speak with Captain Jeremy in front of a 212A class submarine under maintenance as they tour the submarine building facility in Kiel, Germany on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
OTTAWA - Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee says the Royal Canadian Navy could end up with submarines supplied by both companies vying for Ottawa’s lucrative sub procurement contract — and there could be advantages to diversifying the fleet.
Topshee also says the simplest solution would be to operate 12 submarines from just one supplier, which would ensure all the parts and weapons systems are the same.
Topshee did not express a preference either way in a recent interview with The Canadian Press, saying it’s ultimately up to the federal government to decide.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Some defence experts warn that splitting the contract between two bidders would introduce complications for the navy and likely would eliminate any domestic industrial benefits that could come from a single contract.
Ottawa has narrowed the field from five down to two finalists: South Korea’s Hanwha and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.
Canada is in a race against time to replace its four aging Victoria-class submarines, which are expected to retire from service by 2035.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2025.
Politics Headlines Newsletter
Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening
Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Politics Headlines Newsletter
You’re signed up! You’ll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation