Fuhr highlighted the magnitude of the initiative, noting that if Canada acquires all 12 submarines and constructs the necessary infrastructure on both coasts, “this could be the biggest procurement Canada does.”
However, this step would not result in a final contract award but would progress one of the two qualified suppliers into detailed negotiations with Ottawa.
“Right now we have two qualified suppliers,” Fuhr stated. “We’re going to now select a preferred supplier. This does not mean we’re going to have a contract. Then we’ll negotiate with the preferred supplier to come to a contractual arrangement.”
The submarine competition has attracted intense lobbying from both Berlin and Seoul, each offering a distinct strategic proposition for Canada.
TKMS is offering its Type 212CD, a German-Norwegian design, which would strengthen Canada’s ties with European and NATO naval industries. Hanwha promotes its KSS-III submarine, emphasizing South Korea’s rapid shipbuilding reputation and promises of broader industrial investment.
For Canada, the objective goes beyond replacing aging vessels. Ottawa desires submarines capable of operating across three oceans, including the increasingly disputed Arctic, where melting ice and heightened Russian activity have raised allied concerns over the High North.
Fuhr mentioned that the expedited process reflected Ottawa’s prioritization of the issue.
“If we get the matter out the door for a preferred supplier in the next 30 days, which I’m confident we can do, I think that’s an unbelievable timeline,” he said.













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