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In a recent discussion surrounding Canada’s ambitious submarine procurement project, a senior executive from German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has claimed that their joint proposal with Norway offers a more culturally compatible option for Canada compared to a rival bid from South Korea’s Hanwha. This assertion comes as Ottawa weighs its options for a contract expected to range between £20 billion and £30 billion for the submarines alone, with additional costs for operations, maintenance, and upgrades potentially reaching £40 billion to £50 billion.
Diverging Paths: Submarine Options for Canada
Both TKMS and Hanwha have submitted proposals to supply Canada with 12 submarines, an endeavour that could redefine the nation’s defence landscape. The Canadian government is poised to make a decision on whether to select the Hanwha KSS-III Batch-II submarine or the TKMS 212CD model. Should the latter be chosen, it would mark a significant shift in Canada’s military procurement strategy, as it would be the first acquisition of a major weapons platform from a non-Western supplier.
Philipp Schön, head of sales for TKMS’s submarine unit, emphasised in a LinkedIn post the importance of considering the “cultural ecosystem” to which Canada would align itself. He argued that adopting the TKMS submarine would not only facilitate smoother collaboration due to the shared English working language but also integrate Canada into a programme designed for international participation from its inception.
The Language of Defence: An Underestimated Factor
Schön’s commentary on linguistic compatibility has drawn both interest and criticism. He stated that language is a crucial aspect often overlooked in defence procurement discussions, which typically focus on technical specifications like range and stealth capabilities. He remarked, “Language is infrastructure. It goes far deeper than ceremonies and public relations. It reaches into technical documentation, software development, training pipelines, maintenance procedures, combat systems integration, logistics, certification, and even human-machine interfaces.”
The executive’s post sparked a debate among industry leaders and defence analysts. While Schön believes that TKMS’s established governance structures and engineering processes would benefit Canada, others argue that the focus on language risks oversimplifying a complex decision.
Competing Narratives: Responses from Hanwha and Industry Experts
In response to Schön’s remarks, Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada, expressed disappointment over the emphasis on language in the discussion. He highlighted the multilingual capabilities of his team, noting that they possess proficiency in several languages, including English, French, and German. “Engineering and mathematics are the universal languages that deliver superb ships and submarines,” he stated, pointing out that the South Korean navy routinely collaborates with English-speaking forces during large-scale exercises.
Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president of research and strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation, further critiqued the narrative surrounding cultural ecosystems. She underscored the importance of evaluating submarine proposals based on their technical capabilities and long-term industrial benefits rather than cultural assumptions. “Framing the submarine decision as a choice between different ‘cultural ecosystems’ is unnecessary and risks creating an artificial cultural wedge between close partners,” she warned.
Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, also came to the defence of South Korean firms, asserting that they are more than capable of engaging in English. He suggested that Schön’s remarks might stem from a lack of understanding of Canada’s diverse industrial landscape.
Implications for Canada’s Defence Future
The stakes surrounding Canada’s submarine procurement process extend beyond mere financial implications; they touch upon broader themes of international cooperation and strategic alignment. With an eye towards strengthening defence ties in Asia, the decision Ottawa makes could set a precedent for future collaborations with non-Western partners.
As Canada contemplates its next steps in the procurement process, the emphasis on cultural compatibility versus operational capacity will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping its defence strategy for decades to come.
Why it Matters
The outcome of Canada’s submarine procurement decision will not only impact the Royal Canadian Navy’s operational capabilities but also signal the nation’s commitment to fostering international defence partnerships. As global geopolitical dynamics shift, aligning with a supplier based on cultural compatibility raises critical questions about the future of Canada’s defence policy and its role in an increasingly interconnected world. The implications of this choice will resonate well beyond the shipyards, influencing diplomatic relationships and industrial collaborations for years to come.
