UPDATE: South Korea is moving swiftly to secure a deal with the Royal Canadian Navy, proposing state-of-the-art submarines designed with crew comfort comparable to a five-star hotel. This urgent development comes as Canada seeks to modernize its aging fleet amidst growing security demands.
In late January, South Korea’s Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik met with Canadian officials to discuss the ambitious plan, aiming to deliver 12 new submarines under the $45 billion Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). Kang emphasized the importance of creating vessels that prioritize the well-being of their crews, stating, “They are designed and built with the mindset that my own sons and daughters would be aboard.”
Currently, Canada operates only four aging British-made submarines, with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee highlighting the pressing need for modern replacements. “We’re down to a single operational submarine,” he told the CBC, underscoring the critical situation. The proposed partnership with South Korea not only aims to enhance naval capabilities but also promises significant economic benefits for Canada.
The KSS-III diesel-electric attack submarines, which will be supplied by Hanwha Ocean, feature advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems powered by lithium-ion batteries, providing the longest submerged endurance of any conventional submarine. The first of these new vessels is expected to be delivered to Canada by 2032, with subsequent deliveries scheduled annually through 2035.
This deal could lead to a historic entry for South Korea into Western defense markets. If successful, it would pave the way for further expansion into NATO markets, a move that Kang describes as crucial for both nations’ military readiness.
Additionally, Hanwha is set to invest tens of billions into Canadian infrastructure, promising to build shipyards on both coasts and utilize local resources, including a notable partnership with Algoma Steel to create a new mill with an investment of $275 million. This investment is expected to create 200,000 new jobs in Canada by 2040, significantly boosting the local economy while enhancing national defense capabilities.
As this situation unfolds, the implications for Canada’s naval strength and economic landscape are profound. The partnership with South Korea not only aims to modernize the Royal Canadian Navy but also promises to enhance job opportunities and economic growth across the nation.
With the urgency of national defense at stake, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding this pivotal submarine project. Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to evolve.
