Press Release
Canada’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Stefanie Beck, visited Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard in Geoje, South Korea on September 7, 2025.
During the tour of Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard, the Canadian delegation had the opportunity to board the KSS-III Batch-II submarine – the platform Hanwha Ocean is proposing for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The delegation was provided with an in-depth briefing on the original design and construction process of the KSS-III Batch-II. It was a great opportunity to not only view the submarine, but to experience directly the submarine that could carry Canadian sailors into the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Hanwha Ocean also presented its comprehensive economic benefits package for Canada to Deputy Minister Beck, which includes transfer of technology, establishment of full in-service support (ISS) capabilities in Canada, and broad cooperation across defence, space, sustainable energy, critical minerals and other areas.
In August 2025, Hanwha Ocean’s KSS-III Canadian Patrol Submarine (KSS-III CPS) was selected by the Government of Canada as a qualified supplier for the CPSP. It is the only in-service, in-active production submarine platform that fully meets and exceeds all High-Level Mandatory Requirements (HLMRs) set by the Government of Canada. 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 can deliver four KSS-III CPS 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 can be delivered to Canada by 2043. No other option can come anywhere close to this delivery schedule.
Beyond capability and delivery, Hanwha Ocean emphasized its commitment to a long-term strategic partnership with Canada, creating jobs and economic growth, strengthening defence capabilities, and deepening bilateral cooperation between South Korea and Canada in-line with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Hanwha already has MOUs and teaming agreements in place with more than a dozen Canadian companies, laying the foundation for robust collaboration.
Quotes
“CPSP is about more than delivering submarines, it is about establishing a long-term partnership with Canada that combines capability with economic opportunities.”
Charlie SC Eoh, President and COO of Hanwha Ocean
“As Canada rebuilds, rearms, and reinvests in our Canadian Armed Forces, it was a pleasure to see and learn more about what Hanwha Ocean, one of the two qualified suppliers for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, has to offer.”
Stefanie Beck, Canada’s Deputy Minister of National Defence
