South Korean Submarine Arrives in Canada to Boost Hanwha's Patrol Submarine Bid

A Republic of Korea Navy KSS‑III class submarine, ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho, docked at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on 23 May 2026 after a 14,000 km voyage from Jinhae, with logistics stops in Guam and Hawaii. The vessel arrived together with the Korean frigate ROKS Daejeon and will take part in joint exercises with the Royal Canadian Navy, showcasing the range, stealth and Arctic capability of the KSS‑III platform that Hanwha Ocean proposes for Canada’s Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). Hanwha argues its proposal offers the fastest delivery schedule, the potential to replace the aging Victoria‑class fleet with up to 12 submarines by 2043 and projected savings of about C$1 billion in maintenance costs. The company also highlights a C$60 billion economic opportunity for Canada, job creation and a partnership network with Canadian firms to localise production, training and R&D facilities. A preferred supplier decision for the CPSP, currently narrowed to Hanwha Ocean and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, is expected soon, with the Korean submarine visit serving as a high‑visibility demonstration ahead of contract negotiations.