Four firms including CAE, J-Squared Technologies, Modest Tree and Des Nedhe will be the key players in providing simulator technology, electronic componentry, virtual reality (VR) training systems and submarine-related constructions and logistics solutions.
Earlier this year, Naval News reported that Hanwha Ocean signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement with Babcock on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). In addition to that, four new MOUs which were secured during Deep Blue Forum 2023 will further strengthen Hanwha Ocean’s foothold in Canadian maritime defense sectors, as Royal Canadian Navy seeks to replace its aging fleet of four Victoria-class submarines with newer models from international sources.
“We are thrilled to see new opportunities for defense cooperation between Hanwha Ocean and our new Canadian partners – CAE, J-Squared Technologies, Modest Tree and Des Nedhe Group. With the signing of these MOUs, Hanwha will seek to build and develop strategic relationships with our new partners, which will eventually enhance bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Canada.”
Sung Kyun Jeong, Senior VP, Head of Naval Ship International Business at Hanwha Ocean
Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) CPSP project is aimed to replace four Victoria-class submarines that were acquired between 2000 and 2015. While these submarines may look new from their delivery dates to RCN, all four submarines have been transferred secondhand feom the Royal Navy (RN), with their original EIS (Entry into Service) dating back to mid-90’s. Given RCN’s preference over more capable and powerful submarines that can be put into service with minimal modifications and meet RCN’s requirements for interoperability, Canada is virtually left with two options – the South Korean Dosan-Ahn Changho class or the Japanese Taigei.
Dosan-Ahn Changho class submarine was originally developed by DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.) which then was absorbed into South Korea’s biggest defense tech firm Hanwha earlier this year. Its most important capability is the ability to carry SLBM (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile) as it carries six VLS (Vertical Launching system) cells. It can also carry Hyunmoo-III SLCM (Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile) and Beomsangeo (Tiger Shark) heavyweight torpedoes, as well as UGM-84 Harpoon missiles for anti-ship warfare.
Hanwha Ocean successfully delivered the first Dosan-Ahn Changho class submarine in 2021 and this delivery solidified Hanwha Ocean’s position as the world-leading submarine manufacturer equipped with various new capabilities and operational compatibility with the U.S. system.
Submarines are a vital part of modern naval warfare, yet old Victoria-class submarines are just not suitable enough to provide essential security for a country as big as Canada. The new submarines from Hanwha Ocean are expected to adequately level-up Canada’s ability to counter its biggest threat, China, as well as Russia.