Four companies, including CAE, J-Squared Technologies, Modest Tree and Des Nedhe, will be the key players in providing simulator technology, electronic components, virtual reality (VR) training systems, and submarine-related construction and logistics solutions.

Earlier this year, Naval News reported that Hanwha Ocean had signed a technical cooperation agreement with Babcock on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). Additionally, four new memoranda of understanding signed during the 2023 Deep Blue Forum will further strengthen Hanwha Ocean’s position in Canada’s maritime defense sector as the Royal Canadian Navy seeks to replace its aging fleet of four Victoria-class submarines with newer models from international sources.

“We are excited about the 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 strategic relationships with our new partners and further develop what will ultimately enhance bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Canada.”

Sung Kyun Jeong, Senior VP, Head of International Marine Vessel Business at Hanwha Ocean

Royal Canadian Navy(RCN)’s CPSP project aims to replace four Victoria-class submarines acquired between 2000 and 2015. Although these submarines may appear new upon their delivery date to RCN, all four submarines were acquired second-hand from the Royal Navy (RN), whose original EIS (Entry into Service) dates back to the mid-1990s. Because RCN prefers more capable and capable submarines that can enter service with minimal modifications and meet RCN interoperability requirements, Canada is effectively left with two options: South Korea’s Dosan-Ahn Changho class or Japan’s Taigei.

Dosan-Ahn Changho The U-class submarine was originally developed by DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.), which was acquired by South Korea’s largest defense technology company 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 heavy Hyunmoo-III SLCM (Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile) and Beomsangeo (Tiger Shark) torpedoes, as well as UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

Hanwha Ocean successfully delivered the first Dosan-Ahn Changho-class submarine in 2021 and this delivery cemented Hanwha Ocean’s position as the world’s leading submarine manufacturer, equipped with various new capabilities and operational compatibility with the US system is.

Submarines are an important part of modern naval warfare, but legacy Victoria-class submarines are simply not capable enough to ensure the security of a country as large as Canada. Hanwha Ocean’s new submarines are expected to adequately improve Canada’s ability to counter its biggest threats, China and Russia.