During his official visit to South Korea, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney toured Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard and inspected the country’s most advanced submarine, the KSS-III Batch-II. The visit highlighted South Korea’s strong bid to supply submarines for Canada’s next-generation fleet.
Carney’s October 30 shipyard visit followed his bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the APEC Summit. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney received a technical briefing on the KSS-III Batch-II, the Republic of Korea Navy’s most advanced conventional submarine. The visit drew attention from defense analysts, as Canada’s Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) has narrowed the competition to two finalists: Hanwha Ocean of South Korea and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany.
Canada’s New Submarine Ambitions
Under the CPSP program, the Canadian Department of National Defence plans to acquire 4 to 12 conventionally powered submarines capable of long-duration missions, including under-ice operations in the Arctic.
The total program cost, including training infrastructure and maintenance, is estimated at around CAD 60 billion. The final selection is expected between 2026 and 2028, with contract award and initial acquisitions following soon after. These new submarines will replace the aging Victoria-class fleet, nearing the end of its service life.
South Korea’s Contender: KSS-III Batch-II
During the tour, Carney examined the KSS-III Batch-II, the flagship of South Korea’s submarine industry. The vessel is 89 meters long, with a displacement of 3,600 tons surfaced and 4,000 tons submerged.
Its hybrid propulsion system combines a Stirling-based air-independent propulsion (AIP) module with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, allowing it to remain submerged for over 20 days while maintaining silent operations.
The Batch-II’s most notable feature is its 10-cell vertical launch system (VLS), capable of firing domestically produced Hyunmoo-4-4 land-attack cruise missiles.
Additionally, it is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, flank and towed sonar arrays, a non-penetrating optronic mast, and a fully digital combat management system developed jointly by Hanwha Systems and LIG Nex1.
Germany’s Contender: Type 212CD
Canada’s other finalist, the Type 212CD, is a next-generation submarine developed by TKMS in cooperation with Norway. With a submerged displacement of approximately 2,500 tons, this model is optimized for Arctic operations and intelligence missions using an advanced hydrogen fuel-cell AIP system.
Its hull is coated with radar-absorbent material, emphasizing stealth. While it lacks a vertical launch system, it features cutting-edge ASW capabilities, ISR functions, and special forces deployment. Its modular combat system by Atlas Elektronik ensures full NATO interoperability.
Strategic Choice for Canada
The KSS-III offers long-range, multi-role capabilities, high payload, and strike potential, while the Type 212CD prioritizes stealth and NATO compatibility.
Hanwha Ocean proposes local production and technology transfer, whereas TKMS emphasizes proven Arctic operational experience. Canada now faces the strategic choice between offensive reach and stealth specialization.
Diplomatic and Industrial Significance
Carney’s visit marks a milestone in defense diplomacy. For Canada, it signals increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific region and interest in South Korean defense technology.
For South Korea, winning the CPSP contract would establish Hanwha Ocean as a global submarine manufacturer and integrate it into the NATO defense-industrial ecosystem.
For Germany, a TKMS victory would reinforce Europe’s leadership in conventional submarine design and deepen strategic ties with Ottawa.
The selection will define the Royal Canadian Navy’s undersea posture for decades, shaping Canada’s strategic deterrence from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific.
