Germany’s TKMS, Spain’s Navantia to explore Spanish-based submarine production

BELFAST — Two of Europe’s leading shipbuilders have formally agreed to collaborate on naval projects that could lead see a submarine produced by German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) at a Navantia shipyard in Spain.

The plan falls under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by both manufacturers on Wednesday and comes as Europe’s maritime industry faces strain and uncertainty. 

“Geopolitical developments in recent years have significantly increased demand for modern naval products,” said Navantia in a statement. “At the same time, there are considerable bottlenecks in shipyard capacity and technological resources across Europe.”

Faced with these issues, the two companies “intend to explore how closer industrial cooperation can help implement projects more efficiently, quickly, and cost-effectively,” according to Navantia.

The company noted that each side has agreed to launch “management level” talks that are built on mutual trust and in “full compliance” with competition and export control regulations.

It remains unclear how new submarine business would be prioritized as the two shipbuilders have separate products to consider. TKMS is under contract to produce Type 212CD subs for Germany and Norway, with Navantia concentrating on an order for four Spanish S-80 class boats.

Last year, the Type 212CD was also selected as one of two rival “qualified suppliers” for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, alongside South Korean Hanwha Ocean’s KSS-III design. Ottawa decided against an S-80 proposal.

More broadly, the TKMS surface combatant range includes Class 123, 124, 125 frigates, Class 130 corvettes and MEKO vessels.

By comparison, Navantia’s surface product line covers vessels like F-100, F-110, F-310 frigates, the Hobart class destroyer and the Strategic Protection Ship Juan Carlos I.