Minister Joly Tours KSS-III submarine that was recently launched for the Republic of Korea Navy and is one of the leading contenders for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project
Press Release
Hanwha Ocean was extremely pleased to host the Honourable Melanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. During her visit, Minister Joly toured one of the largest and most advanced shipbuilding facilities in the world, including the active production line for the KSS-III submarine. She also boarded and toured the KSS-III that was launched for the Republic of Korea Navy on October 22 – the exact same submarine that Hanwha is proposing for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
In discussions with Minister Joly, Hanwha emphasized its commitment to establishing a robust and long-term strategic partnership with the Government of Canada and Canadian industry in the areas of defence, space, sustainable energy, critical minerals and other areas that will create jobs and economic growth, accelerate Canada’s defence capabilities, and enhance cooperation, partnership and supply chains between Canada and South Korea – a relationship that is becoming more and more important, and one that supports the objectives of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Already, Hanwha has MOUs and Teaming Agreements in place with more than a dozen Canadian companies.
Minister Joly, responsible for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, discussed the strategic and economic aspects of Hanwha’s CPSP proposal. The visit provided an opportunity to assess South Korea’s industrial capabilities and explore potential collaboration that could support job creation and economic growth in Canada.
In August 2025, Hanwha Ocean’s KSS-III was selected by the Government of Canada as a qualified supplier for CPSP. The KSS-III is a proven, in-service, in-active production submarine that fully meets and exceeds all High-Level Mandatory Requirements (HLMRs) set by the Government of Canada for CPSP. These include superior underwater surveillance capability and deployability in the Arctic with extended range and endurance that will provide stealth, persistence and lethality to ensure that Canada can detect, track, deter and, if necessary, defeat adversaries in all 3 of its oceans.
Importantly, Hanwha Ocean has the fastest delivery schedule, able to deliver four KSS-III submarines to fully replace Canada’s current Victoria Class fleet before 2035 if on contract in 2026. Earlier retirement of the Victoria Class fleet will result in estimated savings of approximately $1 Billion on maintenance and support costs. The additional 8 submarines will be delivered at a rate of one per year, meaning the entire fleet of 12 submarines will be delivered to Canada by 2043. No other option can come anywhere close to this delivery schedule.
Quotes
“It was a great pleasure to host Minister Joly at our shipyard today and show her the proven, in-service and in-production KSS-III submarine that we feel is the best submarine for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. Equally important was our discussion on the economic benefits we plan to bring to Canada as part of this project as well as how Canada and South Korea can enhance their relationship in a number of areas that are of strategic importance to both nations.”
VAdm (Ret) Steve SK Jeong, Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Naval Ship International Business, Hanwha Ocean
