German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius says his trip to Canada to promote German submarines was hopeful and successful, and he is leaving with optimism about a deal. Germany wants Canada to buy up to 12 new conventional submarines from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, competing against South Korea. Pistorius emphasizes interoperability and points to NATO partners Germany and Norway already ordering TKMS vessels, calling it an immense military advantage. He faced criticism for spending only three days in Canada compared with a weeks-long South Korean promotional tour. Pistorius says Canada’s decision will be sovereign and Germany will accept it when it arrives in the coming weeks.
"“I was hopeful when I traveled here, I was hopeful during my stay and I am also departing with hope,” he said in Montreal on Thursday. Germany is hoping to convince Canada to purchase up to 12 new submarines from German manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), but faces competition from South Korea."
"“Together, we can build the biggest and most modern conventional submarine fleet in the world,” said Pistorius, referring to the fact that NATO partners Germany and Norway have already ordered TKMS vessels. Such “interoperability” among NATO allies is an “immense military advantage,” he said, but he faced criticism for having spent only three days in Canada in contrast to the weeks-long promotional tour conducted by the South Korean competition."
"“We're Europeans, perhaps we operate differently to the Asians when it comes to these sorts of things,” said Pistorius. “But we're in a competition and may the best [offer] win.” Canada is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks."
"“It's the sovereign decision of the Canadian government,” said Pistorius. “We're anticipating it and we will accept it.”"
#german-defense #submarine-procurement #nato-interoperability #canada-military-contracts #thyssenkrupp-marine-systems
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