According to industry sources on May 31, Hanwha Ocean showcased the proven capabilities of the KSS-III submarine, currently in operation with the Republic of Korea Navy, along with its industrial cooperation strategy across Canada. The key themes highlighted were "submarine capabilities" and "contributions to the Canadian economy."
Notably, on the second day of the exhibition, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development Victor Fedeli visited the Hanwha Ocean booth. During the event, major defense companies such as Seaspan, Irving Shipbuilding, Babcock Canada, and CAE, as well as representatives from Invest Nova Scotia and the University of Waterloo, also visited.
Hanwha Ocean presented its "Pan-Canada Economic Strategy," detailing the industrial cooperation network it has built and its economic impact. The company has established partnerships with over 100 Canadian firms and institutions across sectors including shipbuilding, defense, automotive, advanced manufacturing, energy, aerospace, infrastructure, and high technology. This foundation supports local production, technology transfer, supply chain participation, workforce development, and maintenance capabilities.
If selected as the contractor for the CPSP, Hanwha Ocean envisions creating over 22,500 jobs annually and generating an economic impact of approximately $94 billion. This initiative is seen as a national industrial project that extends beyond mere submarine acquisition, providing long-term growth momentum for Canada's manufacturing and defense ecosystems.
Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development for Nova Scotia, discussed provincial cooperation regarding the CPSP project with Hanwha Ocean and LIG D&A during his visit to the booth. Flavio Volpe, President of the APMA, who visited on the first day, stated, "The collaboration between Hanwha and APMA will serve as an important starting point for expanding industrial cooperation between Canada and South Korea. I hope we can continue long-term cooperation with our partners in Korea to enhance Canada's future industrial competitiveness."
Hanwha Ocean actively promoted the KSS-III submarine's verified operational capabilities and technological strengths. The KSS-III is the world's first diesel submarine to utilize both air-independent propulsion (AIP) and lithium-ion batteries, offering excellent submerged endurance and operational flexibility. With advanced low-noise design technology and combat systems, it is evaluated as a platform that meets the Canadian Navy's requirements for next-generation submarines.
Additionally, Kim Kyung-ryul, Chief of Naval Operations, Lee Yong-cheol, Director of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and Lim Gi-mo, South Korea's Ambassador to Canada, visited the Hanwha booth to engage with key figures in Canadian politics and industry, supporting efforts to secure the CPSP contract.
Kim Hee-cheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, remarked, "CANSEC 2026 demonstrated that the CPSP project proposed by Hanwha Ocean is not just a submarine acquisition initiative but a long-term industrial cooperation model that grows alongside the Canadian industry. Hanwha Ocean aims to be a reliable long-term partner that contributes to enhancing Canada's security capabilities and economic growth based on our proven submarine technology and extensive industrial cooperation network across Canada."
Meanwhile, Hanwha Ocean is working to increase its chances of securing the contract by establishing a "Pan-Canada Economic Strategy" that includes partnerships with over 100 Canadian defense companies and universities, promising local job creation and technology transfer.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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