TKMS and General Dynamics Mission Systems — Canada have teamed up to launch Arctic Sentinel, a new undersea research and development centre.
The two firms hope the new project, which will develop underwater monitoring technologies designed specifically for the Arctic, will deliver a significant contribution to the TKMS bid for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
As per a GDMS statement: “This initiative will strengthen Canada’s ability to monitor and protect its Arctic waters while driving innovation and economic growth at home.”
Arctic Sentinel will operate under the Canadian Defence & Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem (CDDE) and will seek to expand climate-resilient underwater sensing capabilities, with a focus on a rapid shift from prototype to operations.
Senior Vice President OceanX at TKMS Dr. Jeronimo Dzaack commented: “Through Arctic Sentinel, TKMS and General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada are establishing a uniquely Canadian centre of excellence.”
He added: “The cooperation with General Dynamics Mission Systems — Canada combines our extensive experience in submarine construction and maritime safety and security technologies with deep Canadian expertise in sonar integration and undersea sensing, supporting sovereign capability and long-term operational readiness for Canada.”
Vice President and General Manager at GDMS — International Joel Houde added: “Arctic Sentinel reflects the shared commitment between the two companies in strengthening Canada’s Arctic security, investing in domestic capability, and supporting the next generation of Canadian defence engineers.”
German firm TKMS is one of two firms, along with Korean defence prime Hanwha Ocean, which have been shortlisted for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
TKMS is offering its Type 212CD platform developed for the German and Norwegian navies; the shipbuilder is already building six submarines for each of these two nations.
The diesel-electric boats are 73m long, displace 2,800 tonnes fully submerged and feature an air independent propulsion (AIP) system using lithium batteries charged by two diesel engines. They are capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots and have an endurance of about 41 days.
Korean defence prime Hanwha Ocean, the other shortlisted bidder is offering its KSS-III design, which it claims offers the longest submerged endurance of any conventional submarine.
As per Canada’s 2025 statement: “The RCN requires a new submarine fleet that will be deployable in the Arctic with extended range and endurance that will provide stealth, persistence and lethality as key capabilities.
“The future Canadian Patrol Submarine will employ a unique combination of these attributes to ensure that Canada can detect, track, deter and, if necessary, defeat adversaries in all three of Canada’s oceans.”
Canada’s new boats will replace the RCN’s four ageing Victoria-class submarines, which were acquired from the Royal Navy towards the end of the 1990s. Three came into active service in the mid-2000s; the fourth in 2015.
- You can read more details about Arctic Sentinel on the TKMS website