Canada to Enhance Arctic Surveillance with Next-Generation Submarines
By Hwang Jin HyunPosted : June 23, 2026, 09:20Updated : June 23, 2026, 09:20
The South Korean KSS-III submarine Dosan Ahn Chang-ho docked at the Esquimalt base near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada [Photo: Reuters & Yonhap]
As the selection process for Canada’s next-generation submarine contractor nears completion, the country plans to significantly enhance its Arctic surveillance and operational capabilities across three oceans.
Canadian Press reported on June 22 that acquiring new submarines would expand Canada’s operational range in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, while also strengthening its ability to monitor Russian and Chinese activities in Arctic waters. The report noted that the deployment of these submarines would allow the Canadian military to project power in ways it has not been able to for decades, potentially altering the nature of its operations.
Mark Norman, a former Canadian Navy rear admiral, analyzed that the new submarines could be stationed in the western Arctic, the waters between Greenland and Labrador, the northern polar regions of Greenland, and the Barents Sea to track access patterns in the Arctic. He stated, "There are many areas of Canadian national territory and maritime jurisdiction in the archipelago and both the Atlantic and Pacific approaches, and these areas require patrolling and surveillance."
The Canadian federal government is pursuing the introduction of up to 12 modern submarines to replace the Victoria-class submarines, which are set to retire in the mid-2030s. Steven Pure, Canada’s Minister of National Defence Procurement, informed reporters that the government expects to announce the preferred bidder for the submarine acquisition project by the end of this month, with a possible variance of a couple of days. Canadian Press speculated that the announcement could coincide with the NATO summit starting on July 7 in Ankara, Turkey.
The candidates currently under consideration by the Canadian government are Hanwha’s KSS-III and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) submarines. Both models are evaluated to have significantly improved performance compared to the existing Victoria-class submarines.
The new submarines will feature an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which greatly enhances the operational capabilities of conventional diesel submarines. AIP allows submarines to generate power without surfacing or using a snorkel, enabling them to remain submerged for weeks rather than just days, thus avoiding detection.
These diesel-electric submarines will also be equipped with hydrogen fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries, which are expected to provide longer charging durations than traditional lead-acid batteries, making them advantageous for long-range and extended operations. However, conventional submarines cannot generate their own air like nuclear submarines, limiting their ability to operate for extended periods beneath polar ice.
The introduction of new submarines is also linked to an expansion of the Canadian Navy’s offensive capabilities. Canadian Press reported that the new submarines could provide the ability to strike land targets using long-range precision missiles. Peter Jones, a professor at the University of Ottawa, noted, "Both submarines have that capability."
Notably, Hanwha’s KSS-III is equipped with vertical launch systems, allowing it to serve as a mobile launch platform for ballistic or cruise missiles. Paul Mitchell, a professor at the Canadian Forces College, remarked, "Such capabilities are rare, which could lead other navies and countries to request the deployment of that capability in Canada." The last time the Canadian Navy had maritime-based land attack capabilities was in the 1960s.
He pointed out that the Canadian government has historically found such role requests burdensome, suggesting that the introduction of new submarines could lead to an expansion of Canada’s military responsibilities and roles beyond mere equipment replacement.
The new River-class destroyers that Canada plans to acquire will also be equipped with cruise missile launch capabilities. Consequently, the Canadian Navy is expected to conduct a broader range of operations utilizing both submarines and surface ships.