South Korea is intensifying its campaign to win Canada’s next submarine contract, bringing one of its advanced naval vessels to British Columbia as Ottawa moves closer to a major defence procurement decision. According to Global News, the South Korean submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho and the warship ROKS Daejeon arrived in Victoria after travelling from Jinhae Naval Base, giving Canadian officials and military leaders a close look at the type of vessel being promoted for the Royal Canadian Navy.
Rear Admiral David Patchell, commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, welcomed the visit and said Canada is entering a major rebuilding period for its navy. He pointed to planned investments in new submarines, destroyers, and supply ships, saying Canada needs a modern naval force capable of defending its vast maritime territory across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans.
Canada is currently reviewing two major bids for its future submarine fleet. One comes from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, while the other comes from South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, the company behind the submarine now being showcased in Victoria. Hanwha has been actively promoting its KSS III submarine through advertising and public outreach as it tries to build recognition in Ottawa and position itself as the faster option for delivery.
According to Global News, Hanwha Canada CEO Glenn Copeland said the company understands that Canada wants the first four submarines delivered as quickly as possible, with limited changes to the design. The South Korean bid also includes a broader investment pitch, with Hanwha suggesting it could build military vehicles in Canada through partnerships with the domestic auto sector, including howitzers, rocket systems, and infantry vehicles if it wins the contract.
The German bid is being presented as a defence partnership supported by Germany and Norway, both NATO allies. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has also highlighted potential Canadian industrial benefits, including partnerships with companies such as Bombardier and Lockheed Martin Canada. The company has described its proposal as being supported by government backed engagement, investment tools, infrastructure support, and long term delivery planning.
Canada is hoping to acquire as many as 12 submarines, a move that Patchell said would turn the country into a serious submarine nation. He emphasized that Canada has the world’s longest coastline, stretching across three oceans, and said the country has always needed submarines to properly defend its waters and maritime interests.
A decision is expected in June, according to Global News, with both bidders reportedly told to prepare for the next stage. The successful proposal could lead to the first submarines arriving around 2032, although Canadian naval officials have made clear they believe the need is urgent.
