South Korean Attack Boat Arrives in Canada Ahead of Submarine Program Decision

Key Points:

• The South Korean submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho arrived at Canada’s Pacific Fleet naval base in Victoria after completing the longest Pacific voyage by a South Korean submarine, traveling 14,000 kilometers since March.
• The deployment demonstrates the advanced technical capabilities of South Korea’s KSS-III-class submarine and supports Seoul’s bid for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Program, which aims to replace aging Canadian attack boats by the 2030s.
• Canada is deciding between South Korean Hanwha Ocean’s KSS-III and Germany’s Thyssen-Krupp Marine Systems’ Type 212CD for a potential $20-$40 billion contract to acquire up to 12 new submarines, with both bidders promising domestic production and job creation.
• During the voyage, the submarine made port stops in Guam and Hawaii, where Canadian officers observed operations, and communicated with Canadian forces, highlighting cooperation between the two navies.
• After goodwill activities in Canada, the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho will participate in the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific exercises before returning to South Korea, showcasing the submarine as a leading defense export product for Seoul.