Navantia has partnered with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) through a memorandum of understanding to pursue joint submarine shipbuilding opportunities across Europe, NATO, and international markets. The collaboration aims to enhance efficiency, lower production costs, and speed up delivery timelines through closer industrial integration.
Under the agreement, both firms will begin structured discussions at the management level, guided by shared trust and compliance with international competition and export regulations. The partnership will combine TKMS’s proven submarine designs with Navantia’s shipbuilding capabilities, with production expected to take place in Spain.
The initiative is designed to meet growing global demand for advanced naval systems and strengthen Europe’s defense manufacturing ecosystem by leveraging combined expertise and infrastructure.
Currently, Navantia is constructing up to six S-80 Isaac Peral-class submarines for Spain, while TKMS is delivering up to 15 submarines for Germany and Norway. In 2025, TKMS was also shortlisted with Hanwha Ocean for Canada’s submarine replacement program, secured a deal to build six submarines for India, and teamed with Fincantieri to offer the U212 Near Future Submarine to the Philippines.
