Imagine a fleet of cutting-edge submarines patrolling Canada's waters, powered not just by diesel-electric engines, but by artificial intelligence. This is the future ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) envisions, and they're partnering with Canadian AI powerhouse Cohere to make it a reality. But here's where it gets controversial: can AI truly enhance the decision-making and operational efficiency of submarine crews in high-pressure situations? And is this the right direction for Canada's multibillion-dollar defense investment? Let’s dive into the details.
German submarine manufacturer TKMS has joined forces with Cohere, a leading Canadian AI company, to integrate advanced language and data-driven AI models into Canada’s next generation of submarines—but only if TKMS secures the lucrative contract. This partnership is part of TKMS’s broader commitment to involve Canadian companies in its supply chain, addressing Ottawa’s demand for industrial benefits. And this is the part most people miss: TKMS isn’t just talking the talk; they’ve launched a dedicated website highlighting their collaboration with Canadian and Norwegian partners, emphasizing knowledge transfer, local manufacturing, and interoperability with NATO allies.
Last August, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that TKMS and South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co. Ltd. were the final contenders to build up to 12 new submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. Since then, Carney has toured submarine facilities in both countries to evaluate their proposals. But here’s the twist: Ottawa recently asked both Germany and South Korea to include auto industry production pledges in their bids, aiming to bolster Canada’s domestic auto sector, which has been reeling from U.S. tariffs. This move adds a layer of complexity to an already high-stakes competition.
In a recent press release, TKMS highlighted how Cohere’s AI technology could revolutionize submarine operations by aiding decision-making, managing information, enhancing training, and improving naval interfaces. Dave Ferris, Cohere’s Vice President for the Americas and Global Public Sector, emphasized that the technology would reduce cognitive load, enabling sailors to act decisively. “Submarines are the ultimate high-stakes workplace,” Ferris noted, underscoring the critical need for reliable, efficient systems.
TKMS isn’t alone in its efforts to woo Canada. Hanwha Ocean has also made bold commitments, promising to build sustainment facilities on both Canadian coasts for local maintenance and to establish a manufacturing hub for tanks, rockets, howitzers, and resupply vehicles. Hanwha claims it can deliver the first submarine by 2032 and four by 2035, while TKMS has pledged delivery well before 2035, though without specifying a year. Both companies are proposing diesel-electric submarines, as Canada has ruled out costlier nuclear-powered options.
But here’s the burning question: With each submarine expected to cost up to $2 billion and lifecycle expenses potentially reaching $10 billion per vessel, is this investment justified? Last June, Carney pledged to increase Canada’s defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, but the 2025 federal budget was silent on submarine funding. This omission raises concerns about whether Canada is fully prepared for such a massive financial commitment.
TKMS’s partnerships with Canadian firms like Marmen Inc. and Kongsberg Geospatial Ltd. further demonstrate its commitment to local industry. Meanwhile, Hanwha’s aggressive push to establish a manufacturing presence in Canada signals its determination to win the contract. But which company will ultimately secure the deal? And more importantly, will the integration of AI and other advanced technologies truly transform Canada’s naval capabilities, or will it introduce new challenges?
As Canada navigates this complex decision, one thing is clear: the next fleet of submarines will not only shape the nation’s defense strategy but also its industrial and technological future. What do you think? Is AI the right fit for Canada’s submarines, or are there better ways to invest in national security? Let’s start the conversation in the comments below!
