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.
