South Korean rivals Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries have joined forces in an unprecedented $20-billion to $24-billion bid to supply Canada with 12 advanced KSS-III submarines. Submitted as an unsolicited, detailed proposal to the Canadian government in March, the offer includes the delivery of the latest diesel-electric submarines and the establishment of maintenance hubs on both coasts.
Canada invited global shipyards to express interest in building its new submarine fleet, receiving responses from Germany, Norway, and Spain. However, the South Korean companies surpassed others by submitting a comprehensive plan, including construction and long-term support infrastructure.
The KSS-III submarines are diesel-electric attack vessels equipped to fire torpedoes and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. With a displacement of 3,600 tonnes, they achieve speeds of 12 knots surfaced and 20 knots submerged, and a cruising range of 19,000 kilometres. CBC News observed the construction of the second batch of KSS-IIIs at the Hanwha Ocean yard.
Powered by Samsung SDI-developed lithium-ion batteries, the KSS-III offers extended underwater endurance exceeding 21 days — a key asset for Arctic missions. Korea is the second nation after Japan to employ this battery technology in submarines.
All systems on the KSS-III, including its combat-management suite, are domestically developed in South Korea. This independence from U.S.-made systems could be appealing to Canada amid concerns over American technology integration in future frigates. The submarines are also compatible with a range of torpedoes and missiles, including Korean-made armaments.
Highly automated and crewed by just 33 sailors, the KSS-III features three decks and is configured for mixed-gender operation. A robust training plan is included, with Canadian crews undergoing preparation in Korea and transitioning to operations as the submarines are delivered.
Hanwha Ocean claims the first submarine could be delivered by 2030, ahead of Canada’s 2035 deadline. Up to four units could be operational by then, contingent on a 2026 contract. Construction of maintenance facilities in Canada is also proposed, though costs would be additional to the initial purchase.
Source: Swifteradio.com
