South Korean submarine arrives in B.C. as Canada nears procurement decision

This Korean-made vessel could help play a role in defending the waters surrounding Canada. Adrian Ghobrial reports.

VICTORIA, BC - With its fin piercing through Canadian coastal waters, the Republic of Korea’s submarine dubbed the Dosan Ahn Changho sailed into Victoria’s CFB Esquimalt on a picturesque Saturday morning, just as Ottawa prepares to pick the winner of a historic submarine procurement that will shape the Royal Canadian Navy for decades to come.

The federal government is set to acquire up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines, with the price tag pegged at roughly $25 billion. The Korean Navy’s KSS-III model that arrived in Esquimalt this weekend is built by South Korean shipping giant Hanwha Aerospace, and it’s on the shortlist to be selected as Canada’s next-generation submarine.

“This is about the most advanced conventional submarine that you’re going to find anywhere on the planet right now,” proclaimed Glenn Copeland, the CEO of Hanwha Canada, as he watched his company’s submarine dock at the Canadian naval base.

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The nearly two-month voyage to Canada marks the longest distance ever travelled by a South Korean submarine. The Republic of Korea Navy believes that the transit across the Pacific, which stretched nearly 15,000 kilometres, is a testament to the capabilities of the KSS-III.

The lone competing German-Norwegian bid promises to supply Canada with the next generation of TKMS Type 212CD submarines, which are the other shortlisted option. The European-made model promises to run completely silent while also being invisible to underwater magnetic sensors.

Both submarines have Arctic patrol capabilities, vital to Canada’s security in the North, and both bids promise to create thousands of jobs on Canadian soil in multiple sectors.

“I do trust that we will choose the best submarine for Canada at the right time and it will be an operationally viable submarine,” said Rear-Adm. David Patchell of the Canadian Maritime Forces.

Though the Rear Admiral points out that time is of the essence to acquire a new fleet of submarines for the Canadian Navy.

The first of Canada’s four Victoria-class submarines, which were purchased used from the United Kingdom, were built in the 1980s. Only one is currently operational.

“We have the longest coastline in the world, 244,000 kilometres that stretches across three oceans, so we need a navy and we’ve always needed submarines,” said Patchell.

Canada has operated submarines for more than 100 years, though the high-ranking naval officer tells CTV National News that, in his opinion, Canada has never been a submarine nation. That will change, he says, with the purchase of 12 modern submarines.

“One submarine is not enough. Twelve is a good start to have a submarine at sea in all three of Canada’s oceans 365 days a year,” added Patchell.

While on hand at CFB Esquimalt, Hanwha’s Canadian operations CEO shared his belief that his company’s plan offers cost certainty and a predictable delivery date for the federal government.

“You can see it, it’s here right now, it’s a known quantity. It’s an extremely low-risk solution for the Canadian government,” said Copeland.

The arrival of the Republic of Korea’s navy in Canadian waters is well timed; Ottawa is poised to announce the winner of the multi-billion-dollar contract as early as June.