SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - Canada is in discussions with South Korean defense contractors regarding its largest army modernization project in over 25 years, the commander of the Canadian Army said, explicitly naming Hanwha Aerospace's artillery and armored vehicles as potential candidates.
Lt. Gen. Michael Wright told Yonhap News Agency in an interview published Saturday that Ottawa is actively exploring avenues to rapidly upgrade its military capabilities amid growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
"The Canadian Army is in the midst of our largest modernization of equipment in over 25 years, and we're looking in accordance with our defense industrial strategy — what we can do to rapidly accelerate bringing new equipment into the Canadian Army," Wright said.
When asked about specific areas for arms cooperation, the commander confirmed that South Korean platforms are under consideration.
"The K9 howitzers, I know, is something that Hanwha has spoken about. The Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle is another example," Wright said, though he noted that Canada's defense ministry and defense investment agency will determine the final procurement details.
Hanwha Aerospace previously announced it had proposed an integrated package deal to Canada, combining its K9 self-propelled howitzers, the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, and Redback infantry fighting vehicles.
Wright made the remarks while visiting South Korea to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong, a key engagement during the 1950 to1953 Korean War where Canadian troops fought alongside other Commonwealth forces.
The commander emphasized that the bilateral military ties are growing stronger in an increasingly "fractured world."
"For Canada, it's a reaffirmation of our partnership that started on the battlefields in Korea in 1950 and endures to this day and, if anything, is getting stronger," Wright said. "I really think that the history that we share is an indicator of what we'll do together in the future."
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