A cutting-edge South Korean submarine has arrived in Victoria as the Canadian government moves closer to selecting a winner for one of the country’s largest military procurement projects in decades.
The Republic of Korea Navy’s Dosan Ahn Changho submarine docked at CFB Esquimalt on Saturday, showcasing South Korea’s bid to supply Canada with up to 12 next-generation diesel-electric submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.
The federal government is expected to spend approximately $25 billion on the new fleet, which will replace Canada’s aging Victoria-class submarines. The South Korean-made KSS-III submarine, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, is one of two finalists competing for the contract.
Hanwha Canada CEO Glenn Copeland described the vessel as one of the most advanced conventional submarines currently operating anywhere in the world.
“This is about the most advanced conventional submarine that you’re going to find anywhere on the planet right now,” Copeland said while observing the submarine’s arrival.
The vessel’s journey to Canada marked the longest voyage ever completed by a South Korean submarine, covering nearly 15,000 kilometres across the Pacific Ocean. South Korean officials say the successful transit demonstrates the KSS-III’s long-range operational capability and reliability.
The submarine faces competition from a joint German-Norwegian bid offering the next-generation TKMS Type 212CD submarines. The European-designed vessels are promoted as nearly silent underwater and difficult to detect using magnetic sensors.
Both bids include Arctic patrol capabilities, a major requirement as Canada seeks to strengthen its military presence in the North amid growing geopolitical tensions and security concerns in Arctic waters.
Rear-Admiral David Patchell of Canadian Maritime Forces emphasized the urgent need to modernize Canada’s submarine fleet. Canada’s current Victoria-class submarines, originally purchased second-hand from the United Kingdom, were built in the 1980s, and only one remains operational today.
“We have the longest coastline in the world, 244,000 kilometres that stretches across three oceans, so we need a navy and we’ve always needed submarines,” Patchell said.
He added that acquiring 12 submarines would allow Canada to maintain continuous submarine operations across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans throughout the year.
Hanwha executives also highlighted potential economic benefits tied to their proposal, including manufacturing opportunities and job creation in Canada’s defence and automotive sectors.
Ottawa is expected to announce the winning bid as early as June, with the decision set to shape the future of Canada’s naval defence strategy for decades.
