The Government of Canada has advanced its Patrol Submarine Project by naming Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (Germany) and Hanwha Ocean (South Korea) as the two finalists to build up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines. These vessels will form the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy’s next-generation fleet.
The initiative seeks to replace the Victoria-class submarines, which were purchased from the UK in the late 1990s and are expected to leave service by the mid-2030s. With growing operational demands, Ottawa has emphasized the urgency of fielding a modern, capable fleet.
Program costs are estimated at up to C$43 billion ($31.1 billion), covering the full lifecycle of the submarines. Delivery of the first new platform is expected no later than 2035, keeping the Navy’s underwater capabilities intact through the transition.
Since its launch in September 2024, the procurement drew 25 international submissions. Following strict evaluation, only Thyssenkrupp and Hanwha demonstrated compliance with Canada’s requirements for stealth, range, and Arctic operational readiness.
