Oliver Burkhard, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, delivers a speech during a brand launch in Kiel, Germany in June, 2025.Fabian Bimmer/Reuters
Canadian aerospace company Magellan Aerospace Corp. MALJF has signed an agreement with German submarine maker ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to produce torpedoes for its vessels if the European company’s bid to build Canada’s next submarine fleet is successful.
The agreement, signed by the two companies on Thursday, details a plan for Magellan to manufacture heavyweight torpedoes and provide subsequent in-service support for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, as part of TKMS’ commitment to bring Canadian industry in on its bid.
Mississauga-based Magellan manufactures a range of components for the aerospace and space sectors, including engine and satellite parts, in addition to its maintenance, repair and overhaul services. It has offices in the United States, Europe, India and Canada. If the contract with TKMS comes to fruition, Magellan’s torpedo production would likely take place at its facilities in Manitoba.
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“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to reliable, innovative undersea capabilities that support Canada’s national security objectives,” said Haydn Martin, vice-president of business development, marketing and contracts at Magellan, in a news release.
This partnership between the two firms builds upon an existing relationship established through their collective work on a counter-torpedo product that TKMS has labelled the SeaSpider. The torpedo defence system, of which TKMS and Magellan are developing different sections, is autonomous and designed to detect and eliminate incoming torpedo threats. In other words, it’s an anti-torpedo torpedo.
A submarine built by TKMS moves through the Kiel Fjord, heading toward the Baltic Sea, in September, 2025.Annegret Hilse/Reuters
TKMS’ agreement with Magellan is the latest in a string of similar announcements by the German company highlighting its commitment to bringing industrial benefits to Canada if it’s chosen to build the up to 12 submarines the country is ordering.
Other recent partnerships include with Canadian shipbuilder Seaspan and artificial intelligence company Cohere. According to a website created specifically for its submarine bid, TKMS plans to bring additional industrial benefits to Canada through training for Canadian workers in Germany and Canada, making elements of its intellectual property available to Canada and ensuring Canadian companies are leading any upgrades or sustainment of the country’s fleet.
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Not be left behind, rival bidder Hanwha Corp. is making a similar push with several agreements and partnerships contingent on it winning the contract. For example, the South Korean company recently inked a memorandum of understanding with Canada’s Algoma Steel Inc. to use its product and potentially develop a new structural steel beam mill in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Canada is seeking delivery of the first submarine by 2035.