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 anddevelopment centre called Arctic Sentinel. It will be focused on advancingunderwater surveillance technologies designed specifically for the Arcticenvironment. Based on General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada's technicalexpertise in complex sonar integration and advanced undersea sensing, thiscollaboration is positioned to serve as an integral contribution to TKMS's bid forthe Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
Arctic Sentinel aims at strengthening Canada’s ability to monitor and protect itsArctic maritime domain by accelerating the development of advanced, climateresilientundersea sensing capabilities. The centre will focus on driving thetransition from prototype to operational capability, supporting Arctic readinesswhile 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 theCDDE focused on advancing undersea surveillance technologies for the Arctic,”said Dr. Jeronimo Dzaack, Senior Vice President OceanX at TKMS. “Thecooperation with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada combines ourextensive experience in submarine construction and maritime safety andsecurity technologies with deep Canadian expertise in sonar integration andundersea sensing, supporting sovereign capability and long-term operationalreadiness for Canada.”
TKMS and General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada are jointly committed tosignificant investment to establish Arctic Sentinel, with the potential to realizeup to $1 billion in domestic value creation within the broader umbrella of theCDDE, while keeping intellectual property in Canada and shortening deliverytimelines from concept to capability.
“Together with TKMS, we are accelerating the delivery of sovereign Arcticcapabilities by applying our deep experience as Canada’s leading integrator ofcomplex sonar and undersea sensing systems, while building a pipeline forCanadian innovation and talent”, said Joel Houde, Vice President and GeneralManager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–International. “Arctic Sentinelreflects the shared commitment between the two companies in strengtheningCanada’s Arctic security, investing in domestic capability, and supporting thenext generation of Canadian defence engineers.”
As part of the collaboration, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada willlead coordination within Canada across industry and academia, while alsocontributing its own advanced sonar integration and undersea sensingtechnologies. This approach brings together small and medium-sizedbusinesses, research institutions and emerging technology partners withexpertise in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and Arctic operations.The cooperation will enable rapid prototyping, field testing, and thedevelopment of export-ready, dual-use technologies that deliver both defenceand broader economic benefits.
About TKMS
TKMS is one of the world’s leading naval companies with more than 9,100employees (including temporary workers) at three shipyards in Kiel, Wismar andItajaí (Brazil), and with locations worldwide. The company is active as a systemssupplier for submarines and naval surface vessels as well as for maritimeelectronics and security technologies. Around 3,300 employees work at the Kielsite, making it the largest shipyard location in Germany. 185 years of history andthe constant striving for improvement allow the company to set new standardstime and time again. TKMS offers its customers worldwide tailored solutions tomeet the highly complex challenges of a changing world. The driving forcesbehind this innovative energy are the company’s employees, who shape thefuture 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 antisubmarinewarfare, sonar integration and undersea sensing technologies, anddelivers advanced mission system solutions to Canadian and internationalcustomers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, the company is one of the largestCanadian defence organizations and a world class prime contractor andsystems 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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