The South Korean government is making concerted efforts to secure a contract for 12 submarines in Canada’s $60 billion submarine project, as reports suggest the possibility of splitting the order between South Korea and Germany.
The competition for Canada’s $60 billion Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) has intensified, narrowing down to a rivalry between South Korea and Germany. As reports emerge from Canada about a potential split order for the 12 new submarines, the South Korean government is taking a proactive stance, aiming to secure all orders. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Lee Chang-gwan, emphasized their commitment to showcase South Korea's submarine capabilities and collaborative industrial efforts to the Canadian authorities during his trip to Canada.
This project aims to replace Canada’s four aging Victoria-class submarines, with a plan to construct 12 diesel submarines. A consortium of South Korean companies, including Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai, is competing with German firm Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. Selection of the contractor is expected as early as April of this year, amid fierce final competition between the two contenders.
Recent Canadian media reports indicate that the government is considering splitting the order and deploying six submarines each from South Korea and Germany along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, respectively. Minister Lee reiterated South Korea’s aim for the complete order, drawing on the historical reference of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, stating the drive to achieve 12 orders reflects a significant symbolic aspiration, while analysts suggest that Canada’s request for local industrial commitments could signal a strategic move to boost its own manufacturing sector following economic pressures from rising protectionism under previous U.S. administration policies.
