Hanwha Ocean displayed a concept model for a future submarine – one that could employ either diesel-electric or nuclear propulsion – at MADEX 2025 in Busan, but the South Korean shipbuilder has its sights set on more immediate submarine requirements.
One of the significant programmes for which Hanwha Ocean is angling involves future Canadian submarines, where Ottawa is seeking to replace four Victoria-class boats commissioned from 2000-04, with up to twelve new conventionally powered submarines capable of sailing under ice.
Vice Admiral (Ret.) Steve S.K Jeong, Hanwha Ocean’s Senior Executive Vice President/Head of Naval Ship Global Business Department, told Naval News: “Canada wants to operate its submarines in the Pacific area, Atlantic area and its northern area.”
Jeong added, “Since they’re operating submarines not only near Canadian waters, they may send them from Vancouver to the Indo-Pacific, which is a long way, so they want a submarine that can travel long range and also can also provide habitability for their crew, because in a small submarine the crew get tired easily.”
For this competition Hanwha Ocean is pitching its KSS-III Batch 2 design to Canada. This version uses lithium-ion batteries and has a vertical launch system, which would give Canada the strike capability it seeks.
He said Canada is also looking for automation, with the KSS-III operating with a crew of only 33. Jeong concluded, “All their requirements we meet.”
This KSS-III Batch 2 class is in production for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), meaning it will be in service by the time Canada proceeds with its programme. ROKS Lee Bong-chang, the first of three boats of the second batch for the ROKN, was “technically” launched last month. An official launch ceremony is expected to be held after the South Korean elections.
On 10 July 2024, Canada had announced its intention to procure a larger submarine fleet. Canada has the world’s largest coastline, plus the Arctic Ocean will be the most efficient shipping route between Europe and East Asia by around 2050. Under its “Our North, Strong and Free” policy, the government launched this Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
Ottawa said, “Canada will acquire a larger, modernised submarine fleet to enable the Royal Canadian Navy to covertly detect and deter maritime threats, control our maritime approaches, project power and striking capability farther from our shores, and project a persistent deterrent on all three coasts it needed new submarines.”
Although Canada will build these new boats overseas, the country wants to establish a submarine sustainment capability at home, and to create or strengthen a strategic relationship with the providing country. Jeong said his company is pleased to offer Canada industrial technological benefits, helping the country set up in-country service support, shipyard infrastructure and a training centre.
A formal request for information was issued last year. This had a deadline of 18 November 2024, and Jeong confirmed that Hanwha Ocean responded.
Jeong, a former submariner in the ROKN, said Hanwha Ocean can deliver a first boat within six years of a contract being signed. It – and other vendors such as Naval Group, Navantia, Saab and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems – are waiting for a request for proposals to be issued, or it is possible a sole-source selection might even occur.
As well as the Canadian competition, the South Korean shipbuilder is eyeing Poland and an unnamed Middle East nation as other potential clients for its KSS-III platform.
Watch Naval News video interview with Hanwha Ocean regarding their submarine display at MADEX 2025:
