Atlas North America

What Atlas North America does

Atlas North America (operating as part of TKMS Group, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) is a maritime defense technology company providing integrated naval systems to government navies worldwide. The company designs and builds non-nuclear submarines under the HDW brand (Class 209, Class 212 CD Common Design, Class 214 Next Generation), modular frigates under the MEKO platform (A-100, A-200, A-400 AMD), and a broad portfolio of sensors, sonar, mine warfare systems, anti-submarine warfare suites, torpedoes, uncrewed naval systems, and naval communications through the ATLAS ELEKTRONIK business unit. Its flagship technologies include hydrogen fuel cell-based air-independent propulsion (AIP), AI-powered sonar (ATLAS SONAR AI), and modular vessel architectures enabling mission-specific customization for NATO and allied navies.

The business operates as a defense prime contractor with a B2B enterprise sales model, targeting government defense ministries and naval forces through direct procurement, international defense tenders, and multi-year negotiated contracts. Revenue streams are organized across three pillars: Naval Defense Systems and Platforms (submarines and surface vessels via one-time licensing/construction contracts), Sensor and Electronics Systems (ATLAS ELEKTRONIK hardware), and Training and Simulation Services (virtual ship simulators, ViSTIS). As of March 2026, the company reported an order backlog of approximately EUR 20.6 billion, signaling multi-year revenue visibility. The company is a wholly owned business unit of thyssenkrupp AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: tka), with operations headquartered in Bremen, Germany, and primary shipbuilding in Kiel and Hamburg. Customers include the German, Norwegian, Brazilian, Canadian, and Hellenic Navies, among others.

Name

Atlas North America

Legal name

TKMS Group

Website

https://na.atlas-elektronik.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1840

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Atlas North America (TKMS Group) is a maritime defense prime contractor designing non-nuclear submarines (HDW Class 209/212CD/214), modular MEKO frigates, and ATLAS ELEKTRONIK sonar, mine warfare, and ASW systems for government navies worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Naval Defense Systems

NAICS

Ship and Boat Building (33661), Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Submarine Manufacturing (Attack, Ballistic Missile, Special Mission) (IMAJAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Submarine Manufacturing (SSN/SSK/SSBN) (IMAJABAG), Naval Sensors & Sonar Systems (IMABAKAD), Torpedoes & Undersea Weapons (IMABAHAF), Maritime Unmanned Systems (USV/UUV) & Control Stations (IMABAKAJ), Naval Weapons & Launch Systems (Guns, VLS, Torpedoes Interfaces) (IMAJABAK)

Keywords

• Naval defense systems
• Submarine manufacturing
• Surface vessel shipbuilding
• Anti-submarine warfare
• Unmanned naval systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Bremen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Naval Defense Systems and Platforms: TKMS generates revenue through the design, engineering, and construction of naval defense systems including submarines, frigates, and surface vessels sold to government navies through defense procurement contracts
2. Sensor and Electronics Systems: Revenue from ATLAS ELEKTRONIK division providing sonar systems, torpedoes, mine warfare systems, anti-submarine warfare systems, and naval communications equipment
3. Training and Simulation Services: Virtual ship simulators, trainer systems for surface vessels and submarines, and the ViSTIS virtual training information system

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Atlas North America, part of TKMS Group (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) and the ATLAS ELEKTRONIK family, designs, engineers, and manufactures undersea warfare platforms and unmanned vehicles for naval defense customers. Its offering spans non-nuclear submarines (HDW Class 209, 212CD, 214), modular MEKO frigates, sonar and sensor systems, mine countermeasures, heavyweight torpedoes, uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles, and AI-driven underwater surveillance (ATLAS SONAR AI).

Product overview

TKMS (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) is an integrated maritime defense technology company offering fully integrated system solutions across three core business areas: Submarines, Surface Vessels, and ATLAS ELEKTRONIK. The submarine portfolio includes the HDW brand (Class 209, Class 212 CD, Class 214) representing global market leadership in non-nuclear submarines. Surface vessels feature the MEKO family of frigates (A-100, A-200, A-400 AMD) built on a modular design principle for naval missions from coastal operations to global deployments. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK provides comprehensive electronic systems including sonar (CSU 100, ISUS 100), mine warfare systems (SeaCat MK1, SeaFox, IMCMS, MCM TOOLBOX), anti-submarine warfare suites (ACTAS, AMACS, ATLAS TAS, SeaSpider), uncrewed surface vessels (ARCIMS), naval weapons (SeaHake torpedo), and communication systems (HF Radio Series 3003, ICS, SEICAM 7000, TRITON). Training solutions include Virtual Ship Simulators, Trainer Systems, and ViSTIS. The company leverages AI technology through ATLAS SONAR AI for automated underwater surveillance. TKMS serves navies worldwide from a single source, combining over 185 years of naval engineering expertise with innovative strength in surface and underwater shipbuilding, sensor technology, and electronics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ATLAS ELEKTRONIK: Leading electronics, sensors, hydroacoustics, and information technology for maritime operations - from individual components to complete systems.
• HDW (Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft)
• MEKO
• ViSTIS
• SEASENSE
• ARCIMS

Products and services

• HDW Class 209 Next Generation Submarine Non-nuclear submarine platform positioned as a global leader in conventional submarine technology; marketed to international naval customers seeking proven submarine capability.
• HDW Class 212 CD (Common Design) Submarine Non-nuclear submarine jointly developed with Norway, featuring a diamond-shaped hull for reduced signature and hydrogen fuel cell air-independent propulsion (AIP) for extended submerged endurance; sold to allied navies.
• HDW Class 214 Next Generation Submarine Advanced non-nuclear submarine with fuel cell air-independent propulsion, serving international naval customers including the Hellenic Navy mid-life upgrade program.
• SEA Class Modular Workboats Modular workboat submarine system designed for versatile naval operations.
• MEKO A-100 Light Frigate Light frigate based on the modular MEKO design principle, designed for coastal operations and global missions.
• MEKO A-200 Frigate Multi-mission frigate built on the MEKO modular design concept, serving international navies.
• MEKO A-400 AMD Frigate Advanced frigate with Air and Missile Defense (AMD) function, designed to carry a wide range of command and weapon engagement systems ensuring maximum NATO interoperability.
• SEASENSE Anti-Submarine Warfare System Anti-submarine warfare system integrated into MEKO frigates for detecting and countering submarine threats.
• New Polarstern Research Vessel Polar research vessel designed for groundbreaking scientific expeditions.
• CSU 100 Compact Sonar Underwater Compact sonar system for underwater detection and surveillance on submarines.
• ISUS 100 Integrated Sensor Underwater System Integrated sensor system for comprehensive underwater awareness and tactical operations on submarines.
• HMS-12M Hull-Mounted Minehunting Sonar Hull-mounted sonar system for detecting and classifying mines in maritime environments.
• IMCMS Integrated Mine Counter Measures System Comprehensive integrated system for conducting mine countermeasure operations.
• MCM TOOLBOX Modular Mine Countermeasures Modular mine countermeasures solution offering flexible configurations for different operational requirements.
• SeaCat MK1 Hybrid Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Hybrid autonomous underwater vehicle for mine warfare and underwater operations.
• SeaFox Mine Identification and Disposal System Mine identification and disposal system for neutralizing detected underwater mines.
• ARCIMS Uncrewed Surface Vessel Uncrewed surface vessel platform for autonomous naval operations and surveillance.
• ACTAS Variable Depth Sonar Variable depth sonar system for anti-submarine warfare operations.
• AMACS ATLAS Modular ASW Combat Suite Modular anti-submarine warfare combat suite providing integrated ASW capabilities.
• ASO 7x3 Active Hull-Mounted Sonar System Active hull-mounted sonar system for submarine detection and tracking.
• ATLAS TAS Passive Towed Array Sonar Passive towed array sonar for long-range submarine detection without active emissions.
• SeaSpider Anti-Torpedo Torpedo Anti-torpedo torpedo system for defending naval vessels against incoming torpedo threats.
• SeaHake mod4 Heavyweight Torpedo Heavyweight torpedo for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
• HF Radio Series 3003 Proven HF backbone radio system for naval communication networks.
• ICS Integrated Communication Systems Integrated communication systems for seamless naval vessel communications.
• SEICAM 7000 Integrated Communication Systems Advanced integrated communication system for modern naval platforms.
• TRITON Multifunctional Antenna System Multifunctional antenna system providing comprehensive communication capabilities for naval platforms.
• Trainer System for Surface Vessels and Submarines Comprehensive training system for surface vessel and submarine crew readiness.
• Virtual Ship Simulator Virtual-reality-based ship simulation for realistic naval training scenarios for surface vessels and submarines.
• ViSTIS Virtual Ship Training and Information System Virtual training and information system for comprehensive naval crew education and operational preparation.
• Flight Deck Officer Simulator Virtual Reality 3D simulation system for flight deck officer training on naval vessels.
• ATLAS SONAR AI AI-powered automated underwater surveillance technology that analyzes complex underwater acoustic data, detects anomalies and behavioral patterns of maritime units, and accelerates naval decision-making.
• Autonomous Unmanned Watercraft (AiP) Autonomous unmanned watercraft platform; TKMS became the first company to receive Approval in Principle (AiP) for this class, marking a breakthrough in autonomous naval systems.
• Cunha Moreira Frigate (F202) Third vessel of the Tamandaré Program for the Brazilian Navy, built on the MEKO modular frigate design for the Brazilian Navy.

Quantifiable outcome

• Global market leader in non-nuclear submarines with proven HDW Class technology

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Valbruna ASWcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2026TKMS awarded Valbruna ASW order for non-magnetic submarine steel to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). This partnership ensures supply of critical materials for submarine construction.
• Heirloom Carbon TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026TKMS, Heirloom Carbon Technologies, and thyssenkrupp Calvion explore commercialization of Direct Air Capture technology in Canada.
• CAEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026TKMS and CAE signed agreement to advance naval training and simulation cooperation. Joint development of training systems for naval personnel.
• Isar AerospaceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2026TKMS cooperates with Isar Aerospace to develop new launch infrastructure for Canada's space capabilities.
• Elbit SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026TKMS and Elbit Systems expand collaboration on the development of defense solutions. Broader strategic partnership for integrated defense technologies.
• General Dynamics Mission Systems–CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026TKMS cooperates with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada to establish Arctic Sentinel, an initiative for enhanced maritime awareness in Arctic regions.
• Skaramangas ShipyardscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026Strategic partnership for mid-life upgrade of Hellenic Navy Type 214 submarines. Joint implementation of modernization program.
• ATLAS ELEKTRONIKcoreTechnology or IntegrationATLAS ELEKTRONIK is an integrated business unit of TKMS Group, providing leading electronics, sensors, hydroacoustics, and information technology for maritime operations.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Fincantieri: Italy's largest shipbuilding group and one of the world's largest naval shipbuilders, building frigates (FREMM, PPA), submarines (with the U212 program co-developed with TKMS), and aircraft carriers. Fincantieri is a direct comparable in surface combatants and a partner/competitor in the submarine domain.
• Lockheed Martin / General Dynamics (broader US defense primes): US defense primes that supply naval combat systems, integrated air and missile defense (Aegis), and integrated naval platforms. They overlap with TKMS's ATLAS ELEKTRONIK portfolio in combat management, sensors, and anti-submarine systems and partner with TKMS through alliances such as Elbit Systems and General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada.
• Huntington Ingalls Industries / General Dynamics Electric Boat: HII (via Newport News Shipbuilding) and General Dynamics' Electric Boat are the dominant US submarine builders (Virginia- and Columbia-class nuclear subs) and major naval shipyards. While focused on the US Navy and nuclear platforms, they are the principal Western alternative in any allied submarine procurement competition against TKMS.

Direct peers

• Naval Group: France's national naval defense champion and the most direct competitor to TKMS. Naval Group designs and builds conventional submarines (Scorpène, Suffren-class) and surface combatants (FREMM, FDI frigates) for allied navies, competing head-to-head with HDW submarines and MEKO frigates in international tenders.
• Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems' market position relative to Navantia: Spanish state-owned naval shipbuilder building frigates (F-110), submarines (S-80 Plus class), and amphibious vessels. Navantia is a directly comparable peer in conventional submarines and modular frigates, and a frequent co-bidder or competitor for European and Latin American naval contracts.
• BAE Systems Submarines: BAE Systems' Submarines business in the UK builds Astute-class and Dreadnought-class nuclear submarines and supports the broader Royal Navy fleet. As a fellow European submarine prime with significant export ambitions (notably under AUKUS Pillar 1), BAE is a directly comparable peer in submarine design, integration, and naval combat systems.
• Saab Kockums: Swedish submarine and surface combatant builder within Saab, producing the A26 next-generation submarine and Visby-class corvettes. Kockums competes directly with HDW in the conventional submarine segment and with MEKO in modular surface combatants, particularly in Nordic and Northern European tenders.

Emerging players

• Kongsberg Maritime: Norwegian supplier of naval combat systems, sonars, missiles (via Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace), and integrated bridge/sensor systems. Kongsberg is both a partner (Norwegian HDW Class 212CD collaboration) and a partial competitor in naval electronics, sonars, and combat management systems adjacent to ATLAS ELEKTRONIK.
• Hanwha Ocean (formerly DSME): South Korean shipbuilder with growing export submarine and frigate business (KSS-III submarines, FFX frigates), now part of Hanwha Group. An emerging player in the international submarine and warship export market, increasingly competing with TKMS on price and delivery speed for mid-tier navies.

Others

• Elbit Systems: Israeli defense electronics company that partners with TKMS to develop integrated defense solutions, and is comparable as a non-platform naval electronics, sensor, and C4ISR supplier whose offerings can substitute for portions of the ATLAS ELEKTRONIK portfolio in third-party platforms.

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Atlas North America