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In a significant development within Canada’s submarine procurement saga, Philipp Schön, a senior executive at German shipbuilder TKMS, has articulated the advantages of a collaborative submarine proposal with Norway over a competing bid from South Korea’s Hanwha. Schön’s assertions focus on the compatibility of the TKMS 212CD model with Canada’s operational needs, particularly emphasising the benefits of shared language and culture in defence partnerships. As the Canadian government prepares to make a pivotal decision on the $20 to $30 billion contract for 12 submarines, this discourse underscores the complexities of international defence relations.
The Submarine Bids
Both TKMS and Hanwha have entered the fray vying for the lucrative contract to supply Canada with a new fleet of submarines, a deal projected to total between $40 billion and $50 billion when factoring in long-term operations, maintenance, and upgrades. The stakes are considerable, not only for the companies involved but also for the Canadian Armed Forces and the broader strategic landscape. If Hanwha is selected, it would mark a historical shift, positioning Canada as the first Western nation to procure a major military asset from a non-Western supplier.
Schön’s comments, made through a LinkedIn post, suggest that Canada should contemplate the “cultural ecosystem” it wishes to align with for decades to come. He argues that the English-speaking environment of the TKMS programme is inherently more compatible with Canada’s operational requirements than the South Korean alternative.
Language and Defence Cooperation
The emphasis on language as a critical component of defence procurement is a notable angle in Schön’s argument. He asserts that effective defence collaboration thrives on direct communication rather than navigating potential language barriers. “Defence cooperation works best when partners can engage directly, not through translation,” he stated, advocating for a programme designed for international collaboration from the outset.
Schön further elaborated that the TKMS 212CD programme has been structured as a multinational effort, with established governance, engineering processes, and documentation standards all designed for an international audience. He posited that language is an essential infrastructure element that permeates every aspect of submarine operations, from training to maintenance.
Reactions and Counterarguments
While Schön’s perspective has garnered attention, it has also prompted significant pushback. Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada, expressed disappointment over the implications of Schön’s comments. He emphasised the multilingual capabilities of their team, highlighting that the Hanwha workforce is well-versed in various languages, including English, French, and even German. Copeland maintained that engineering and mathematics transcend language barriers, asserting the company’s readiness to collaborate effectively with Canada.
Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president of research and strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation, cautioned against framing the submarine decision as a dichotomy between cultural ecosystems. She advocated for an evaluation based on the merits of the proposals themselves, rather than perceived cultural compatibility. “Framing the submarine decision as a choice between different ‘cultural ecosystems’ is unnecessary and risks creating an artificial cultural wedge between close partners,” she stated, underscoring the robust relationship that exists between Canada and South Korea.
Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, also weighed in, arguing that South Korean firms have demonstrated their capability to operate seamlessly in English-speaking environments over the years. He suggested that Schön’s remarks may stem from a misunderstanding of Canada’s diverse and multi-faceted industrial landscape.
The Bigger Picture
As Canada deliberates its next steps in the submarine procurement process, the implications extend beyond mere contractual obligations. The decision reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and Canada’s strategic positioning within the defence industry.
Why it Matters
The outcome of this procurement process will not only determine the future capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy but will also set the tone for Canada’s defence relationships with both Western and non-Western nations. As the political and cultural implications of these partnerships come into sharper focus, the need for a balanced evaluation of operational capabilities, industrial benefits, and long-term strategic value becomes paramount. The decision on which submarine programme to endorse will resonate well beyond the immediate financial figures, shaping Canada’s defence posture and international alliances for decades to come.