South Korea offers Canada advanced submarines, artillery, and local jobs in a $20B+ defense pitch to modernize the Canadian military.

South Korea Makes Bold $20B+ Defense Pitch to Canada

Could Canada’s next submarines and armored vehicles come from South Korea? A trio of Korean defense giants is betting on it, with a sweeping offer to transform Canada’s military and defense industry.

Korean Firms Promise Fast-Tracked Submarines and Army Upgrades

In a move set to shake up Canada’s defense procurement, three leading South Korean companies have presented a multibillion-dollar proposal to Ottawa. Their plan: quickly replace Canada’s aging submarines, deliver cutting-edge artillery and armored vehicles, and help jumpstart domestic defense manufacturing.

Backed by the South Korean government, Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries have jointly pledged to deliver four advanced KSS-III submarines by 2035-matching Canada’s need for new vessels far faster than current schedules. The offer, valued between $20 and $24 billion, includes building maintenance facilities in Canada, promising new jobs and technology transfer.

Hanwha Aerospace is also pitching mobile howitzers, rocket artillery, and a suite of armored vehicles, aiming to fill critical gaps in the Canadian Army’s capabilities. Their proposals come with rapid delivery timelines and the potential to set up manufacturing and maintenance centers on Canadian soil.

A Strategic Shift: Diversifying Beyond Traditional Suppliers

This Korean push comes as Canada reassesses its reliance on U.S. and European defense suppliers, especially amid recent trade tensions and procurement delays. South Korea’s pitch stands out for its speed, transparency, and willingness to invest in Canadian industry-offering local jobs and full access to onboard technology, an advantage not always provided by other suppliers.

The KSS-III submarines, already in service with the Korean Navy, are designed for long-range operations and Arctic conditions, making them a strong fit for Canada’s unique needs. South Korea’s proven track record of delivering major defense contracts on time-like recent deals with Poland and other NATO allies-adds weight to their promises.

Economic and Diplomatic Benefits for Both Nations

Beyond hardware, the deal could deepen Canada-South Korea defense cooperation, opening doors to joint training, technology sharing, and future contracts. For South Korea, success in Canada would boost its global profile as a top-tier arms exporter and strengthen ties with a key G7 and NATO partner.

For Canada, the proposal could mean faster delivery of urgently needed equipment, new high-tech jobs, and a more resilient defense sector-while reducing dependency on a single supplier. Could Canada’s next-generation submarines and armored vehicles be “Made in Korea”? With billions on the table and jobs at stake, South Korea’s ambitious pitch could reshape the future of Canadian defense.

British police arrest multiple Iranian men in nationwide counterterrorism raids, disrupting an alleged attack plot and boosting national security vigilance.

Nationwide Raids: UK Police Disrupt Alleged Terror Plot

A wave of coordinated counterterrorism operations across England has led to the arrest of several Iranian men, as British authorities move swiftly to neutralize a suspected attack plot.

Coordinated Arrests Across England

On Saturday, UK counterterrorism police detained five men, four of whom are Iranian nationals, in a series of raids spanning London, Swindon, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester. The suspects, aged between 29 and 46, were apprehended under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The nationality of the fifth suspect is still being established.

Authorities have not disclosed the intended target, citing operational security, but confirmed that the premises involved are receiving dedicated advice and support. All suspects remain in custody for questioning, with no charges filed yet.

Public Safety at the Forefront

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, emphasized that multiple lines of inquiry are underway to determine the motive and assess any further risk to the public. “We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to determine if there is any additional threat to the public associated with this case,” Murphy stated.

Separate Security Operation in London

In a separate and unrelated investigation, three more Iranian men-aged 39, 44, and 55-were arrested in London under the National Security Act, which targets threats from hostile foreign powers. These arrests highlight the UK’s heightened vigilance against state-linked activities and foreign interference.

Government Response and Growing Concerns

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described these incidents as “serious events” underscoring the ongoing need to adapt the nation’s security response. She affirmed government collaboration with police and intelligence agencies to ensure public safety.

The arrests come amid rising concerns over Iran-linked plots in the UK. Britain’s domestic intelligence service, MI5, has previously warned of a surge in potentially lethal threats connected to Tehran, with at least 20 plots disrupted since 2022.

A Nation on Alert

The UK remains on high alert as authorities continue to investigate both the motive and any possible broader risks. While the Iranian embassy has yet to comment, these operations serve as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of national security threats in Britain.
A dramatic weekend sweep by UK police has not only disrupted an alleged terror plot but also spotlighted the growing challenge of foreign-linked threats on British soil. Stay tuned as the investigation unfolds.