Canada is taking a decisive step toward modernizing its submarine capability with the advancement of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The announcement, made in Gatineau, Quebec, on August 26, 2025, signals the government’s intent to provide the Royal Canadian Navy with cutting-edge underwater platforms capable of defending Canada’s security and Arctic sovereignty well into the future.
Securing the Longest Coastline in the World
Stretching across three oceans, Canada’s coastline is the longest on the planet. Protecting it requires more than surface ships and aircraft—it demands a fleet of advanced submarines capable of operating undetected beneath Arctic ice, patrolling vast distances, and responding to evolving threats.
The envisioned Canadian Patrol Submarine will combine stealth, persistence, and lethality, giving the Royal Canadian Navy the means to detect, track, deter, and, if necessary, neutralize adversaries across all of Canada’s maritime approaches. Beyond defending national sovereignty, the submarines will allow Canada to contribute effectively to global stability through operations alongside NATO allies and international partners.
Choosing the Builders
The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, and the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), announced that two shipbuilders—Germany’s Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.—have been identified as qualified suppliers.
“Diversifying our trade partnerships is crucial to ensuring Canada meets the moment as global circumstances evolve. The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, in collaboration with TKMS and Hanwha as the 2 qualified suppliers, is an opportunity to work with allies and strengthen our defence industrial capacity. This is a critical step toward equipping the Royal Canadian Navy with next-generation capabilities our Navy needs to protect our sovereignty and support our allies,” remarked the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
This critical milestone follows a rigorous evaluation of Canada’s operational requirements, production timelines, and lessons learned from allied submarine programs. Engaging with other governments and militaries provided valuable insights into design, infrastructure, and long-term sustainment strategies.
“The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project will safeguard Canada’s sovereignty and strengthen partnerships with our allies by delivering next-generation submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy. The advanced submarines will give our Navy the confidence and capabilities to respond effectively to emerging threats, while creating opportunities for Canadian industry. Identifying TKMS and Hanwha as the qualified suppliers marks an important step toward the procurement of this critical capability,” stated the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).
Toward 2035: Building Capability and Partnerships
The government has set an ambitious timeline: delivery of the first Canadian Patrol Submarine no later than 2035. Meeting that target will require not only close collaboration with the selected suppliers but also the active involvement of Canadian industry.
The CPSP is about more than just platforms—it’s about creating a sovereign capability that strengthens Canada’s industrial base. The government has pledged to ensure that submarine construction and sustainment generate long-term economic benefits, high-paying jobs, and opportunities for Canadian shipyards, suppliers, and technology firms.
“Today, Canada takes another step toward acquiring next-generation submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. This is about defending our sovereignty, protecting Canadians, and ensuring our Armed Forces have the tools they need. Through the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, we are strengthening alliances, diversifying defence partnerships, and creating opportunities for Canadian industry,” expressed the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.
Strategic and Industrial Benefits
In an increasingly complex global environment, diversifying defence partnerships is a strategic necessity. By working with both European and Asian partners, Canada is opening doors to new collaborations, technologies, and shared security arrangements.
At the same time, the project is expected to bolster domestic expertise in marine engineering, systems integration, and sustainment—skills that will not only serve the submarine fleet but also spill over into Canada’s broader shipbuilding and defence industries.
“Canada is acquiring Canadian Patrol Submarines to build our sovereign capabilities. In addition to meeting the standard requirements of the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, all this work will be done to further Canada’s objective of maximizing economic benefits under the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy. This generational project will strengthen our economy, create well-paying jobs and build a more secure, resilient Canada,” noted the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Next Steps
With TKMS and Hanwha qualified, the next phase involves detailed engagement with the two suppliers. These discussions will refine proposals, align project timelines, and ensure that Canada’s industrial benefits policy is fully realized.
The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project represents both a strategic leap forward in defending Canada’s sovereignty and a generational investment in the country’s marine sector. As the world grows more uncertain, Canada is signaling its resolve: its Navy will remain ready, its industry will grow stronger, and its partners will find in Canada a reliable and capable ally.
