KSS-III submarine docks in Canada ahead of contract bid

The Republic of Korea Navy’s KSS-III class submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho is docked at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, British Columbia, as Hanwha Ocean highlights its platform in a bid to secure Canada’s new patrol submarine contract.

The vessel arrived on 23 May 2025, following a 14,000-kilometre transit from Jinhae Naval Base, South Korea, which began on 25 March 2025. It will participate in exercises with the Royal Canadian Navy and other allied forces.

Hanwha Ocean’s KSS-III-class submarine is one of two contenders for the multibillion-dollar Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), which aims to replace the fleet’s four aging, British‑built Victoria‑class boats with 12 new vessels.

The company claims that its proven, in-service platform is capable of meeting stated Canadian requirements, including advanced underwater surveillance, Arctic operational capability, endurance and range.

Key aspects of the industrial proposal include establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities on both coasts, and creating training centres, technology transfer arrangements, and localised supply chains.

Hanwha Ocean is also offering to deliver four KSS-III submarines to replace the Victoria-class fleet before 2035 if awarded the contract in 2026. It plans to deliver the remaining eight vessels at a rate of one per year, completing all 12 by 2043.

The South Korean shipbuilder has already forged partnerships with Canadian companies such as Geospectrum Technologies, Ultra Maritime, OSI Maritime Systems, and Curtiss-Wright INDAL Technologies.

These agreements cover sonar and underwater systems, naval combat integration, and support services intended to underpin the long-term sustainment and localisation of Canada’s future submarine operations.

Furthermore, the company plans to establish the Hanwha Arctic and Defence Innovation Centre (HADIC) in Canada.

According to Hanwha Ocean, HADIC would focus on advanced defence research and development, including AI, autonomous systems, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing and naval technology.

A KPMG assessment cited by Hanwha Ocean estimates that the proposed industrial and economic package could represent $60bn in economic opportunities from 2026 to 2044, supporting an average of 22,500 full-time jobs per year and generating $94bn in GDP.

In addition to Hanwha’s proposal, the Canadian Government shortlisted ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the CPSP.

The German company offered the Type 212CD as part of a bid with Germany and Norway.

However, Hanwha Defense Canada managing director and president Glenn Copeland, reportedly stated that the KSS-III has several advantages.