As Canada advances one of its most consequential naval modernization efforts, a new international collaboration is setting the stage for how artificial intelligence could be responsibly and securely embedded into the next generation of undersea operations.
On January 13, 2026, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Cohere, a security-first enterprise AI company, announced the signing of a Teaming Agreement to jointly explore AI-enabled capabilities for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The agreement signals a forward-looking approach to integrating advanced digital technologies into future submarine platforms, while aligning closely with the operational, security, and sovereignty requirements of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
At its core, the collaboration focuses on enhancing how information is managed, processed, and presented in one of the most demanding operational environments imaginable. The two companies will assess opportunities to apply advanced language and data-driven AI models across several critical domains, including decision-support workflows, onboard information management, training environments, and secure, naval-specific interfaces.
These areas are central to Canada’s future submarine requirements, where crews must operate with precision under extreme conditions, often with limited time, bandwidth, and margin for error. By improving how data is synthesized and delivered, AI-enabled tools have the potential to support faster, more informed decision-making while reducing cognitive burden on sailors.
The Teaming Agreement establishes a framework for research, prototyping, and evaluation activities. Importantly, both TKMS and Cohere emphasize that any AI-enabled capabilities explored under the partnership will be designed to meet the stringent security, compliance, and operational standards required by the Government of Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy. Responsible deployment, data protection, and mission assurance remain foundational principles of the work.
The collaboration brings together two distinct but complementary strengths. TKMS contributes decades of submarine design, engineering, and systems-integration expertise, while Cohere brings advanced enterprise AI technologies built with a strong focus on security, reliability, and real-world operational use.
“Canada’s next-generation submarine project presents an opportunity to bring the most modern and reliable technologies to the Royal Canadian Navy. Cohere’s expertise in trustworthy AI models aligns perfectly with our vision and together, we aim to enhance the user experience and operational efficiency of future crews while maintaining the highest security and safety standards,” said Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer, TKMS.
From Cohere’s perspective, the undersea domain represents one of the most complex and unforgiving operational environments where AI can deliver meaningful impact when applied with care and discipline.
“Submarines are the ultimate high-stakes workplace. Through our partnership with TKMS, we’re embedding critical solutions that empower sailors to act decisively,” said Dave Ferris, VP of Americas and Global Public Sector at Cohere. “Our technology will help the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project to meet stringent demands for precision, security, and streamlined operations, while reducing cognitive load.”
Beyond technology integration, the agreement also reinforces TKMS’s broader, long-term commitment to Canada’s defence industrial ecosystem. The company has consistently emphasized the importance of integrating Canadian firms into its supply chain across the full life cycle of its platforms—from design and construction through sustainment and modernization.
That philosophy is captured in TKMS’s long-standing belief that “submarine building is nation building,” a principle that aligns closely with Canada’s emphasis on industrial participation, sovereign capability, and enduring economic benefit through major defence programs.
As the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project continues to take shape, the TKMS-Cohere partnership offers a glimpse into how advanced AI technologies—developed responsibly and deployed securely—could become an integral part of Canada’s future undersea capability, enhancing both operational effectiveness and crew resilience beneath the surface.
