tkMS Submarines – The Next Generation of Underwater Dominance

CDR’s Senior Staff Writer, Joetey Attariwala, recently traveled to Kiel, Germany, to visit thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS). tkMS is the manufacturer of cutting-edge submarines which the company will compete for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) — a program that seeks to acquire up to 12 new conventional submarines optimized for long-endurance operations, including missions in the Arctic.

CDR was in Germany as the CPSP Request for Information (RFI) was issued, so there is much to digest before tkMS will identify the specific type of submarine they will compete in Canada, but needless to say, the company has a portfolio of options, including the new Type 212CD, which would suit all of Canada’s mandatory requirements and timelines.

To put CPSP in context, one must acknowledge that Canada’s recent experience in operating an orphaned submarine fleet has been a challenge, to put things mildly. This experience underscores the need to select a submarine provider with a proven track record, and with a customer base that will assure commonality, interoperability and interchangeability — all of which are essential aspects that must be factored into acquisitions of modern military weapon systems/platforms. It is therefore vital that any company that claims to be able to provide a submarine capability must have a well-established reputation of manufacturing excellence, a strong customer base, and a reputation of being able to support the products they produce, at scale and over the lifetime of said platforms.

NEARLY 200 YEARS OF SUBMARINE EXPERIENCE

Hardly any other shipyard in the world has more experience in the design and construction of conventional submarines than thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. This experience is based on a submarine construction legacy that dates back nearly 200 years.

Today’s tkMS was formed when large industrial conglomerate thyssenkrupp acquired Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in 2005. This makes tkMS a part of thyssenkrupp AG, a global operating company with a turnover of €41.1B, and 96,000 employees across 740 locations in 48 countries.

tkMS stands today as the western world’s market leader in the design and construction of conventional submarines and development of underwater technologies. The company has a proven track record of providing advanced submarines to some of the world’s most prominent naval forces — tkMS has delivered submarines to 27 navies worldwide which is empirical evidence of their ongoing success. The tkMS Type 209/1400mod submarine, for example, can be found in every ocean in the world; and it is indeed a fact that 70% of NATO’s conventional submarine fleet comes from tkMS shipyards. This metric is irrefutable and should be considered when it comes to important program acquisition factors like training and interoperability for highly complex strategic platforms like submarines.

tkMS Submarine: CUTTING-EDGE MODERN SUBMARINES

Canada’s unique maritime geography, particularly the need to operate in harsh Arctic environments, demands submarines that are robust, capable of long-endurance missions, and built with advanced technologies for extended submersion under ice. tkMS’s submarines are ideal candidates for these demanding conditions.

At the core of tkMS’s submarine capabilities is their expertise in developing advanced diesel-electric submarines. These submarines offer an optimal balance of performance, stealth, and sustainability, making them suitable for modern naval forces. Diesel-electric propulsion allows these submarines to operate more quietly than nuclear-powered alternatives, an essential feature for stealthy operation — in fact, the company’s products are very highly regarded for their low acoustic signatures which enhances their ability to avoid detection.

As a complete design authority, tkMS can offer submarines which offer modular and customizable solutions to meet the specific requirements of a navy. Flexibility in sensor suites and weapons systems allows the integration of various torpedoes, cruise missiles, and mines, making tkMS submarines versatile platforms capable of fulfilling diverse operational roles, such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

Moreover, tkMS has a strong track record of delivering export programs where it works with nations to provide customized submarines that match regional defence needs. The company’s global reach extends across Europe, Asia, and beyond, with many of the world’s leading naval forces opting for tkMS-built submarines. Among the most prominent are the Type 212A and 214 submarines.

The Type 212A submarines are some of the world’s most advanced non-nuclear submarines. Developed in close collaboration with the German Navy, this class incorporates a hydrogen fuel cell-based AIP system, which allows the vessels to operate silently for extended periods. Its advanced hydrodynamic design, low magnetic signature, and enhanced maneuverability make it particularly effective in littoral and coastal waters.

The Type 214 submarine is known for its long-range, deep-diving capabilities, and advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. Designed for both openocean and littoral waters, it provides an extended operational range and high levels of autonomy. The platform is equipped with modern sonar and combat systems, ensuring superiority in underwater detection and engagement capabilities.

In July 2021, tkMS received an order from Germany and Norway to build six of the next generation Type 212CD submarines (2 and 4 submarines, respectively). The Type 212CD builds on decades of submarine manufacturing expertise, and is specifically optimised for all NATO responsible areas including the high Arctic. This submarine variant is optimised for stealth and is distinguished by its unique diamondshaped composite hull and numerous advanced technologies. The Type 212CD has undergone its preliminary design review, and the joint project office for Germany and Norway has restricted most details about this new variant of submarine.

Allowing countries such as Norway to join common naval programs to build a backbone of submarine operations is not new to tkMS as the company has successfully executed similar manufacturing initiatives for the Type 212A with Germany and Italy. The benefits of this type of collaboration are many, notably reduced risk, assured interoperability and interchangeability, common training and common supply chains. It is for these reasons, and more, that the tkMS Type 212CD submarine has been selected by Germany and Norway as their next generation of submarines.

As of 2024, tkMS has a new construction contract order book of 23 submarines which includes 8 material packages. These construction contracts are in Germany and in customer nations, and are rooted in the expertise that tkMS has demonstrated through its competency in infrastructure development. This expertise is built on decades of experience and supports submarine production and/or sustainment facilities for operators around the world. This expertise takes into account cost efficient investments, state-of-the-art technology, and maximizing the involvement of local capabilities wherever possible.

ABOUT KIEL SHIPYARD

tkMS’s mission statement is “To be the most modern naval company in Europe,” so the company has invested heavily in modernizing and equipping its production sites to live up to that claim.

In 2021 tkMS laid the foundation stone for a new shipbuilding hall at its Kiel shipyard. The hall, which was an investment of around €250M, is now complete and sits alongside older halls and gantry cranes, all of which are still in use.

This state-of-the-art hall incorporates advanced manufacturing processes, allowing tkMS to increase its production capacity and shorten construction times for new submarines like the Type 212CD. The upgraded shipyard is equipped with cuttingedge automation and digital integration systems, which facilitate more efficient and precise submarine construction.

Notable aspects to the Kiel shipyard include a weapons tube machining facility, a composites workshop, a pressure hull fabrication hall, and an advanced fuel cell / AIP facility.

Having seen the Kiel shipyard in firsthand, CDR can attest that tkMS has extensively modernized its shipyard with advanced fabrication facilities, with the focus on ensuring it remains an unmatched international center of excellence for the construction of conventional submarines.

For Canada, this increased capacity means that tkMS can deliver submarines with the tight timelines that the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project will demand. The Kiel shipyard’s modernization ensures that tkMS is well-prepared to handle large-scale orders like Canada’s, while maintaining its high standards of quality and reliability.

CDR ATTENDS SUBCON 2024

While in Kiel, CDR had the privilege to attend the 8th biennial Submarine Conference (SubCon), an exclusive international user group gathering which is organized by tkMS. SubCon is a key manifestation of this broad network, uniting like-minded naval forces in the common goal of enhancing undersea warfare capabilities. Attending SubCon this year was approximately 20 navies and over 300 participants from all over the world. The event was presided under the patronage of Vice-Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Inspector of the German Navy. The focus of this iteration of SubCon was the strategic importance of international alliances, and technological innovations in the face of the growing global threat situation.

Speaking at SubCon was Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, who said: “SubCon highlights the importance of good, future-oriented cooperation with our international customers and partners. Only together can we develop innovative and customized solutions that meet the specific national technical requirements and address the changing geopolitical challenges. As a ‘Maritime Powerhouse’ and world market leader in conventional submarines, we are making our contribution to the defence readiness of Germany and our international customers.”

In addition to facilitating discussions among operators, SubCon is an important venue for tkMS to present new developments in submarine designs and its latest technological advancements in the field of underwater warfare. The company is constantly innovating to improve submarine performance, stealth, endurance, and versatility, and SubCon serves as the ideal platform for sharing these breakthroughs with its customers.

This year’s conference also focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization as key trends in modern submarine construction. According to tkMS, AI is becoming increasingly indispensable, whether in more precise surveillance and reconnaissance through AI-supported sonar systems or in modern battle management systems for faster decision-making in conflict situations. “We have integrated AI as a fixed pillar of our product development,” said Burkhard. “We are convinced that those who play a leading role in the development of AI will also play a major part in the future defence capabilities of our partners.”

A key advantage of selecting tkMS is the robust supply chain it has built for in-service support. With numerous NATO countries using its submarines, many of whom were present at SubCon, it was clear that there is an already established structure for parts, technical support and upgrades, and that ensures faster and more efficient support when needed. This is a vital capability that the Royal Canadian Navy must consider, especially for submarines operating in remote areas such as the Arctic, where logistical support is exceptionally challenging.

The SubCon conference highlighted the breadth of tkMS’s submarine user base, which extends beyond NATO to include allied navies from regions such as Asia and South America.

Moreover, the well-established tkMS user group allows for shared knowledge, training opportunities, and technical developments. This construct could significantly benefit Canada, should it select tkMS submarines, as it would facilitate integration into an existing submarine user community, and enable collective training exercises, experience-sharing, and access to future technological advancements.

FUTURE TECH & CAPABILITIES FOUND IN THE TYPE 212CD

thyssenkrupp Marine Systems continues to push the boundaries of submarine technology. Their research and development efforts focus on improving key aspects like stealth, endurance and automation. Recent advancements in uncrewed underwater systems (UUVs), and digitalization with enhanced command and control systems have further cemented tkMS’s status as an innovator in the field. By adopting digital twin technologies, tkMS offers more effective maintenance, lifecycle management, and operational simulations.

The signature optimized Type 212A submarine is the predecessor of the new Type 212CD submarine variant. Thanks to its unique shape, non-magnetic steel design, and highly advanced combat system, the new Type 212CD expeditionary submarine is, according to tkMS, “a pinnacle of stealth technology.” Although much of the technology and capabilities of the Type 212CD are classified, we do know that the Type 212CD offers increased displacement (~3,000 tons); increased length (~73 m); longer endurance; a high accommodation standard optimized for long endurance missions; the new ORCCA Combat Management System; an advanced signature management system; capacity to support Special Operations Forces; a crew compliment of 28 people (with capacity for additional “riders”); and enhanced weapon capability which could include the Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines (IDAS) — a system which enables a submerged submarine to actively engage airborne threats without exposing its own sensors.

WHAT IS AIR-INDEPENDENT PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY?

One of the hallmark innovations from tkMS is their Air-Independent Propulsion technology, which extends the submerged endurance of conventional submarines. AIP enables submarines to stay underwater for extended periods without surfacing, which enhances their stealth capabilities and operational effectiveness in critical missions.

The tkMS AIP system is developed and manufactured in Kiel along with the 4th Generation HDW fuel cell plant, which has no moving parts. That makes detection of such a submarine virtually impossible. The Type 212, Type 214 and HDW Class Dolphin AIP submarines are powered by an HDW fuel cell plant, and were the first to undertake extremely long dives independent of external air sources. These class types have set new standards in terms of signatures, range, automation, weapons control, external communication, crew comfort, and convenience.

While AIP technology provides a significant leap in underwater endurance, the integration of lithium-ion batteries further enhances a submarine’s capabilities. Lithiumion batteries offer several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including higher energy density, longer battery life, and faster recharge times. These batteries are lighter and more efficient, allowing submarines to store more energy and extend their underwater operational time. When used in combination with AIP, lithium-ion batteries provide a versatile energy system that gives tkMS submarines fitted with the type even greater flexibility.

HOW WILL TKMS FULFILL CPSP ITB OBLIGATIONS?

Due to its many decades of experience, tkMS is very adept at transfer of technology, which means that depending on an agreed workshare concept, certain portions of a shipbuilding program can be transferred to the customer’s country if desired. This type of collaboration encompasses an efficient workshare concept between a customer shipyard, local subcontractors and tkMS, and is a critical factor in helping support submarines in country.

With over 50 material packages delivered to customers worldwide, tkMS is the most experienced provider for Transfer of Technology and local construction. tkMS’s transfer of technology also includes critical aspects of supporting submarine operations like delegating experts as engineers, technicians and workers; On-the- Job Training during the shipbuilding phase for future installation tasks; OEM training courses to acquaint a customer’s shipyard and maintenance personnel with special systems; design and engineering training as a possible preparation for future overhaul and modernization tasks; and management training, among others. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is well positioned to offer significant Industrial Technological Benefits (ITBs) to Canada as part of a potential submarine acquisition. tkMS’s ITB approach encompasses both direct and indirect industrial cooperation. In terms of direct cooperation, tkMS could engage in local purchasing, co-production, and subcontracting, ensuring that key elements of the submarine project are sourced or produced in Canada. This could include the supply of hull sections, parts, main propulsion batteries, and various electronic, electrical, and mechanical systems, all integrated into the submarine program.

Indirect cooperation from tkMS would extend beyond the immediate submarine project and could involve investments in Canadian shipyards, joint ventures, educational programs, and social initiatives. Globally, tkMS has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable industrial cooperation by establishing a 3D metalprinting hub with local SMEs, repositioning local shipyards for international markets, and expanding production lines for submarine batteries — initiatives that could be mirrored in Canada.

A prime example of tkMS’s commitment to Canadian industrial cooperation is the codevelopment of the SeaSpider anti-torpedo torpedo weapon system, with major sections designed and manufactured in Canada. tkMS also aligns with Canada’s Key Industrial Capabilities (KICs), offering expertise in advanced materials, arti cial intelligence, clean technology, cyber resilience, sonar and acoustic systems, and autonomous systems. This wide-ranging industrial engagement ensures that tkMS could support the growth of Canada’s defence industry while providing cuttingedge technology and know-how as part of the CPSP acquisition program.

“We are fully committed to offering a modern, highly capable submarine fleet to Canada,” said Rick Gerbrecht, President & CEO thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Canada. “As a total design authority, we have every aspect of submarine design, manufacture, training, and in-country in-service support as core elements of our capabilities. With our recent investment in submarine building capacity in Kiel, we will be able to propose a submarine that meets all of Canada’s requirements, and we are able to be responsive to the timelines set out in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.”

“We at tkMS understand that supporting submarines in Canada is a huge aspect of the project. We have a proven history of transferring technology to customers, and we have a robust training and in-service support structure which we have used for various NATO customers,” Gerbrecht told CDR. “The majority of effort will be in Canada, and that consists of infrastructure, training, support, and program management. For example, we would need to certify welders to be Sub-safe in case there is need for emergency work that has to be done. That is very specialized work which we have mentored to customers around the world. If Canada wants sovereignty after sale, there needs to be a workforce that is certified to do that. It’s a formula we have demonstrated time and again around the world, and that experience means less risk to Canada.”

LOW RISK FOR CANADA

thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is technologically well prepared for future opportunities thanks to investments in all locations, and the expansion of production capacity at its Kiel shipyard, all of which is backed by their extensive experience, cuttingedge technology, and established reputation within NATO.

By combining submarine expertise from basic research and development, to design, manufacture, outfitting, testing and inservice support, tkMS ensures that everything its customers receive comes first-hand from a single source.

There is no doubt that tkMS has earned its reputation as a leader in conventional submarine manufacturing. The ability to conduct long-endurance missions, especially in remote and strategically important areas like the Arctic, makes tkMS-built submarines a strong candidate for navies seeking to maintain a competitive edge in submarine warfare as Canada does.

Through their dedication to innovation, advanced engineering, and customer-centric solutions, tkMS continues to provide naval forces around the world with powerful, stealthy, and reliable submarines. The capabilities and experience at tkMS clearly positions the company as a formidable contender for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.

Joetey Attariwala is CDR’s Senior Staff Writer