Mission Ready: Equipping the Forces - New submarines for the RCN
July 7, 2026 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time: 1:27
Canada is renewing its submarine fleet with a generational investment in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). It will provide the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with the capability, capacity and reach needed to protect Canada, operate in the Arctic and contribute alongside Allies, while investing in the Defence Team members who will bring the future fleet into service.
Delivering new military capability
Canada is beginning negotiations with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to deliver a larger and more modern fleet of up to 12 conventionally powered, under-ice-capable submarines with the first four submarines to be delivered ahead of schedule, in 2034.
What this means for the Defence Team
- A larger and more capable fleet
- The new submarines will give the RCN the capacity, range and endurance needed to maintain a more persistent undersea presence and operate safely and effectively in multiple regions, including beneath Arctic ice.
- Modern tools for our people
- The future fleet will offer a unique combination of stealth, persistence, and combat capability that enables the RCN to detect, track, deter and, if necessary, defeat adversaries.
- RCN will also be able to detect, monitor and understand activity occurring in and approaching Canadian waters.
- Greater interoperability
- The new submarines will strengthen the RCN’s ability to operate alongside the naval forces of our Allies and support Canada’s contributions to continental defence, NATO and international operations.
Preparing the Defence Team
Delivering and operating a new submarine fleet will require investment in the people, infrastructure and support systems needed to introduce and sustain the capability for decades.
What this means for the Defence Team
- Recruitment and training
- Continued investment will be required to recruit, train and retain submariners and other personnel with specialized technical, operational and support skills.
- Infrastructure
- New and upgraded facilities will support submarine operations, training, maintenance and sustainment on Canada’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
- A Defence Team-wide effort
- Delivering the future fleet will involve military and civilian personnel working across materiel, infrastructure, digital services, intelligence, policy, science and technology, procurement, training and sustainment.