Canada selects German submarines as preferred choice for navy fleet

Canada has chosen ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany as the preferred bidder to build the Royal Canadian Navy’s next submarine fleet, ending a long competition with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision in Halifax on Monday, saying the federal government will begin negotiations on a contract for up to 12 submarines. Officials said the talks could take several months, with Ottawa hoping to reach a deal by next year. The program is expected to become the largest defence procurement in Canadian history. While no final price was announced, officials said the acquisition could total about $24 billion, with lifetime costs possibly rising to $100 billion or more. The new submarines would replace the navy’s aging Victoriaclass boats, and the government says the deal could also bring major industrial benefits for Canadian workers and businesses.