South Korea has mobilized a coordinated whole-of-government and whole-of-industry effort to support its participation in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), reinforcing its firm commitment to a long-term defence and industrial partnership with Canada.
Hanwha Ocean press release
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed that key ministries and defence stakeholders are aligned under a national support framework signed on February 20. The framework provides structured policy coordination and institutional support to facilitate the stable and predictable implementation of the CPSP, while fully respecting Canada’s sovereign procurement process and independent decision-making authority.
The signatories include the DAPA, the Ministry of National Defense, the Republic of Korea Navy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the Ministry of Climate and Energy, and the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Under the framework, DAPA will support intellectual property and technology transfer arrangements aimed at enabling meaningful industrial localization in Canada, alongside the pursuit of a bilateral defence export memorandum of understanding to formalize long-term cooperation. The framework also provides for expanded military-to-military engagement, including training opportunities for Canadian crews, instructors, and maintenance personnel aboard operational KSS-III submarines currently in service.
Hanwha Ocean has been identified as a qualified supplier in the CPSP competition to replace Canada’s aging Victoria-class submarine fleet, with proposal submissions scheduled for early March. The Government of Canada has made clear that, beyond capability, schedule, and cost, the successful proposal must deliver meaningful and sustainable economic and industrial benefits for Canadians.
“We sincerely appreciate the strong support of the Government of the Republic of Korea and are fully committed to bringing our nation’s full capabilities to this effort,”
“With DAPA leading this whole-of-government initiative, we are confident in delivering a successful outcome for the CPSP. Our goal is to become a trusted long-term partner to Canada, strengthening its defence capabilities while delivering enduring economic value to Canadians.”Charlie SC Eoh, President of Hanwha Ocean
The DAPA stated it will continue working closely with relevant ministries and industry partners to advance Korea’s competitive, reliable, and long-term participation in major international defence programs.
About the KSS-III Canadian Patrol Submarine
The KSS-III Canadian Patrol Submarine (KSS-III CPS) represents the latest evolution of South Korea’s indigenously designed conventional submarine program. Developed through four decades of progressive design refinement and operational experience, the KSS-III builds upon a mature Military Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) foundation while incorporating next-generation technologies.
Equipped with lithium-ion batteries and an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the KSS-III provides over three weeks of submerged endurance and a cruising range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. It features advanced Korean-developed sonar systems and acoustic tiles, enhancing target detection and stealth performance. The platform delivers long-range strike capability, enhancing deterrence. As a multi-mission submarine, the KSS-III integrates Korea’s indigenous combat and weapon systems.
The KSS-III is not an export-only design; it is the same class of submarine actively operated by the Republic of Korea Navy under real-world conditions. This ensures Canada benefits from a proven platform supported by an established supply chain and validated operational and maintenance data across more than 30 years of in-service support (ISS).
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Check out our recent video interview with Hanwha Ocean regarding CPSP:
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