South Korean shipbuilders Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean have submitted a joint proposal to supply Canada with a new fleet of up to 12 military submarines. The unsolicited offer, valued between $20 billion and $24 billion, arrived in early March and represents a significant South Korea submarine offer Canada is considering as it seeks to modernize its naval capabilities.
The proposal from the two firms, usually industry rivals, responds to Canada's global call for expressions of interest in replacing its aging Victoria class submarines. While companies from other nations including Germany, Norway, and Spain also responded, the South Korean pitch included detailed plans.
The centerpiece of the offer is the KSS-III submarine, a diesel-electric attack boat displacing around 3,600 tonnes. This vessel type is capable of firing torpedoes and potentially submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The South Korean Navy is fielding nine of these boats, with two already in service.
A notable feature highlighted by Hanwha Ocean is the use of lithium-ion batteries for power. Developed by Samsung SDI, these batteries are claimed to enable longer submerged patrols, potentially exceeding 21 days, a capability seen as beneficial for operations in Arctic waters. Korea is only the second country to integrate this battery technology into its submarines.
Company officials indicate the KSS-III utilizes a Korean-designed combat-management system. This offers Canada flexibility to integrate existing or foreign systems should it purchase the vessels, distinct from relying on systems from traditional partners like the United States.
The proposed submarines feature automation designed for a standard crew of 33 sailors, with capacity for up to 50. Three deck levels are configured to accommodate mixed gender crews. The offer includes a comprehensive crew training plan in Korea during construction.
Regarding delivery, the proposal aims to provide four submarines by 2035, meeting the Royal Canadian Navy's deadline for the first vessel replacement. The first submarine could arrive between 2030 and 2032, provided a contract is signed next year.
Beyond the submarines, the South Korean pitch addresses local infrastructure needs. Plans involve establishing maintenance facilities within Canada, potentially one on each coast, an investment separate from the initial purchase price but intended to create local employment. The offer may also extend to providing other military assets like artillery systems and armored vehicles through Hanwha Aerospace.The South Korean proposal aligns with broader efforts to strengthen defense ties between the two nations, following their first Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting in November 2024. HD Hyundai and Hanwha Ocean unite for Canadian submarine project bid5 things to know about South Korea's military submarine pitch to Canada((Source))
