Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair said his German counterpart approached him about joining the German-Norwegian submarine package.

Pål Jonson said if a “concrete proposal” was presented for allied countries to send personnel, Sweden would “take it into review.”

The capabilities the companies described as part of the ICS are similar to what Pentagon officials have said is needed for Joint All Domain Command and Control.

“When you see that visible signature, it’s a reminder to all hands that it’s all hands on deck time to get the amphibs ready,” said Gen. Eric Smith, the Marine Corps commandant.

The ship’s problems, and subsequent sidelining, are gaining more attention on Capitol Hill where multiple lawmakers grilled top Navy brass about the vessel this week.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro defended the service’s plans to pause amphib shipbuilding during last year’s budget cycle, despite fierce congressional backlash.

The letter is the latest sign lawmakers have rejected the Navy’s argument that the cut was a strategic one due to a construction backlog, though some key signatures are missing.

Marine Corps officials said the new office will act as a bridge over the Pentagon’s infamous “valley of death” and will first focus on counter-drone systems.

The two companies will likely have stiff competition in a tech space that has proven vital for the wars both in Ukraine and Israel.

Kruger had been serving as interim president since former chief Rusty Murdaugh resigned last spring.

The comments from the General Dynamics chief come on the same day President Joe Biden signed the national security supplemental, which includes billions for the sub industrial base.

The Korean company and Norwegian-owned American subsidiary have a history of working together.

Carlos Del Toro has repeatedly praised shipbuilders in South Korea and Japan for their abilities to keep construction efforts on time.

Lawmakers gave the Navy authorities to ink a multi-ship amphib deal years ago, but the service has not utilized that power yet.

One week after the incident, a Navy spokesperson says the service is continuing to assess the fleet’s ability to safely resume flight.