As published by TKMS.
PRESS RELEASE
TKMS Cooperates with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada to establish Arctic Sentinel
- The collaboration aims to establish an undersea research and development centre called Arctic Sentinel.
- Arctic Sentinel aims at strengthening Canada’s ability to monitor and protect its Arctic maritime domain by accelerating the development of advanced, climate-resilient undersea sensing capabilities.
- The cooperation will enable rapid prototyping, field testing, and the development of export-ready, dual-use technologies that deliver both defence and broader economic benefits.
Kiel/Ottawa, May 6, 2026 – TKMS and General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada agreed to an industrial cooperation under the Canadian Defence & Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem (CDDE) to establish an undersea research and development centre called Arctic Sentinel. It will be focused on advancing underwater surveillance technologies designed specifically for the Arctic environment. Based on General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada's technical expertise in complex sonar integration and advanced undersea sensing, this collaboration is positioned to serve as an integral contribution to TKMS's bid for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
Arctic Sentinel aims at strengthening Canada’s ability to monitor and protect its Arctic maritime domain by accelerating the development of advanced, climate resilient undersea sensing capabilities. The centre will focus on driving the transition from prototype to operational capability, supporting Arctic readiness while fostering innovation within Canada’s defence ecosystem.
“Through Arctic Sentinel, TKMS and General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada are establishing a uniquely Canadian centre of excellence under the CDDE focused on advancing undersea surveillance technologies for the Arctic,”said Dr. Jeronimo Dzaack, Senior Vice President OceanX at TKMS. “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.”
TKMS and General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada are jointly committed to significant investment to establish Arctic Sentinel, with the potential to realize up to $1 billion in domestic value creation within the broader umbrella of the CDDE, while keeping intellectual property in Canada and shortening delivery timelines from concept to capability.
“Together with TKMS, we are accelerating the delivery of sovereign Arctic capabilities by applying our deep experience as Canada’s leading integrator of complex sonar and undersea sensing systems, while building a pipeline for Canadian innovation and talent”, said Joel Houde, Vice President and General Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–International. “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.”
As part of the collaboration, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada will lead coordination within Canada across industry and academia, while also contributing its own advanced sonar integration and undersea sensing technologies. This approach brings together small and medium-sized businesses, research institutions and emerging technology partners with expertise in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and Arctic operations.The cooperation will enable rapid prototyping, field testing, and the development of export-ready, dual-use technologies that deliver both defence and broader economic benefits.
About TKMS
TKMS is one of the world’s leading naval companies with more than 9,100 employees (including temporary workers) at three shipyards in Kiel, Wismar and Itajaí (Brazil), and with locations worldwide. The company is active as a systems supplier for submarines and naval surface vessels as well as for maritime electronics and security technologies. Around 3,300 employees work at the Kiel site, making it the largest shipyard location in Germany. 185 years of history and the constant striving for improvement allow the company to set new standards time and time again. TKMS offers its customers worldwide tailored solutions to meet the highly complex challenges of a changing world. The driving forces behind this innovative energy are the company’s employees, who shape the future of TKMS with passion and commitment every day.More information at: www.tkmsgroup.com
About General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada
General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is a global leader in anti submarine warfare, sonar integration and undersea sensing technologies, and delivers advanced mission system solutions to Canadian and international customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, the company is one of the largest Canadian defence organizations and a world class prime contractor and systems integrator for sea, air, land and cyber operations.
More information at: www.gdmissionsystems.ca
More information about the CDDE at: www.team212cd.ca/cdde
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