South Korea is making a final push to win Canada’s next-generation submarine project, valued at up to 60 trillion won (about $39.14 billion), as Ottawa is expected to select a preferred bidder by the end of this month. The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project would replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s four Victoria-class submarines with 12 new diesel-electric submarines of roughly 3,000 tonnes. Both outlets describe the deal as comprehensive, covering long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul across the submarines’ lifecycle.
Seoul is positioning its consortium for the final decision. The Korea Times reports that Korea elevates its effort to high-level diplomacy, with President Lee Jae Myung raising Korea’s willingness to support Canada’s defense capabilities during a bilateral summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the Group of Seven in Evian-les-Bains, France. Korea’s bid is led by Hanwha Ocean, and the competition includes Germany’s TKMS, described as a traditional submarine technology heavyweight.
Together, the reports indicate the race is closely contested and that Korea is focusing both on industrial proposals and diplomatic outreach ahead of Canada’s selection deadline.
