Hanwha Ocean Kicks Off Bid for Canadian Submarine Contract

Government and Industry Form One Team to Win Canadian Submarine Contract
Strengths: Operational Experience and Latest Technology
Canada Shows Interest in Local Maintenance Support

Hanwha is participating in CANSEC 2025, the largest defense exhibition in Canada, where it will present a locally tailored "integrated defense solution."

According to Hanwha Ocean on May 27, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Ocean will be the only Korean companies to participate in this exhibition, which will be held in Ottawa, Canada, from May 28 to 29 (local time). The event, held under the slogan "With Canada, For Canada," will bring together delegations from over 50 countries and more than 280 companies.

Canada is planning to introduce submarines, with the project estimated to be worth up to 60 trillion won. In February, Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a "One Team" for naval vessel exports, under the leadership of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. Recently, Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries submitted an unsolicited proposal?a document outlining submarine specifications and delivery schedules?to the Canadian government. While the specific project timeline has not yet been determined, it is expected to begin around next year.

Government and Industry Form a One Team to Win Canadian Submarine Contract

The government and industry are joining forces to increase the chances of winning the contract. The history of Korean submarines is relatively short compared to competing countries. Korea first developed submarines in the 1980s by modeling German designs, which is more than 100 years later than France, which built its first submarines in the 1860s. The 3,000-ton Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine, which is equipped with a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launcher and is considered a next-generation submarine, was developed in 2018 and therefore has a short operational history.

Strengths: Operational Experience and the Latest Technology

At this exhibition, Hanwha Ocean will showcase the "Jangbogo-III Batch-II (KSS-III)" submarine, which has been proposed for Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The KSS-III is a weapon system whose performance has been verified through operational deployment (Batch-I) by the Korean Navy. Batch-II is equipped with both Hanwha Aerospace's lithium-ion battery (ESS) and an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, providing a range of over 7,000 nautical miles and the ability to remain submerged for more than three weeks. Hanwha Ocean also plans to establish a local operations and maintenance (ISS) center in Canada to provide continuous maintenance and performance upgrades for over 30 years.

A Hanwha Ocean official emphasized, "Our solution is optimized for the Canadian Navy, which needs to operate across vast areas including the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans. Rapid delivery will minimize any gap in Canada's submarine capabilities and reduce maintenance costs for the aging Victoria-class submarines."

Canada Also Shows Interest in Local Maintenance Support

Canada has also shown interest. In November last year, Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, visited Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard to discuss Canada's submarine acquisition project. Commander Topshee toured the actual construction site of the 3,600-ton Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine, which Hanwha Ocean has proposed for the CPSP contract.

Hanwha Aerospace is also taking part. At this exhibition, Hanwha Aerospace will present ground equipment for the Canadian Army's Indirect Fire Modernization (IFM) project. The "K9 package"?which includes the K9 self-propelled howitzer, already recognized for its performance and reliability in 10 countries including six NATO member states, the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle, and the wheeled self-propelled howitzer?will be on display, along with the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system. In particular, the wheeled self-propelled howitzer, with a range of 700 km and a maximum speed of 100 km/h, is suitable for Canadian terrain. The Chunmoo system will also be presented with a customized portfolio, including anti-ship guided missiles, to meet Canada's recent efforts to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities.

Hanwha also plans to propose customized industrial cooperation measures, such as localizing the supply chain and technology transfer, in line with Canadian government policy, using this exhibition as an opportunity.

Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Global Defense, stated, "Hanwha's integrated defense solution will meet Canada's defense needs in the short term and respond to changing regional security environments in the mid- to long-term. This will help both countries become trusted strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region."