As Canada embarks on one of the most ambitious military modernization efforts in its history, South Korea’s defence industry is positioning itself as a comprehensive partner capable of addressing several of the country’s most pressing procurement requirements simultaneously. From next-generation submarines and self-propelled artillery to tracked infantry fighting vehicles and broader industrial cooperation, South Korean firms are advancing a package of capabilities that aligns closely with Ottawa’s objectives of strengthening military readiness, expanding domestic defence production, and reducing reliance on traditional suppliers like the United States.
At the centre of the Korean proposal is Hanwha Ocean’s bid for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, a program that will eventually replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging Victoria-class fleet. With Canada seeking a larger and more capable submarine force able to operate across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic regions, the competition represents one of the largest defence procurements in the country’s history.
READ: Hanwha Ocean’s Integrated Vision for Next-Generation Submarines
Beyond submarines, Hanwha Aerospace is promoting a broader suite of land warfare systems that address several capability gaps currently facing the Canadian Army. These include the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle, the Redback infantry fighting vehicle, and other tracked armoured platforms designed for operations in harsh climates and difficult terrain. Together, the systems would provide Canada with modern artillery, protected mobility, and enhanced combat capabilities while leveraging common industrial support networks and supply chains.
Underlying the proposal is a strategy that extends well beyond equipment sales. Rather than simply exporting finished platforms, South Korean firms have emphasized domestic production, long-term sustainment, and industrial partnerships with Canadian companies. Recent agreements involving Algoma Steel highlight that approach.
Under a memorandum of understanding announced this year, Algoma Steel would supply Canadian-made steel for military vehicle production should Hanwha secure future defence contracts in Canada. The arrangement would create a domestic supply chain linking Canadian raw materials with locally assembled defence equipment, supporting both industrial development and national supply-chain resilience.
READ: Hanwha, LIG, Magellan Join Forces to Work on CPSP
For Hanwha, the partnership forms part of a broader effort to establish a permanent industrial presence in Canada. The company has outlined plans involving Canadian manufacturing, maintenance facilities, workforce development initiatives, and long-term supplier relationships. Similar commitments have also been incorporated into its submarine proposal, which includes potential investments in Canadian shipbuilding infrastructure, sustainment capabilities, and skilled labour development.
The Korean offer arrives at an opportune time as Ottawa increasingly emphasizes defence procurement diversification. While the United States remains Canada’s closest defence partner, policymakers have shown growing interest in broadening procurement relationships with allied nations capable of delivering advanced military technology while contributing to domestic industrial capacity.
In that environment, South Korea’s defence sector has emerged as an increasingly attractive alternative. Korean defence manufacturers have established a reputation for delivering advanced military systems on accelerated timelines while remaining willing to transfer technology, establish local production lines, and integrate domestic suppliers into major procurement programs.
For Canada, the appeal extends far beyond individual platforms. Through a single industrial ecosystem, South Korean companies are competing to provide submarines, self-propelled artillery, ammunition support vehicles, tracked infantry fighting vehicles, and associated sustainment infrastructure. Many of these systems directly align with requirements identified in Canada’s defence policy update, particularly the need for improved Arctic mobility, enhanced long-range fires capability, and greater operational readiness.
In the North, the Redback infantry fighting vehicle and related tracked platforms could provide enhanced mobility across terrain where wheeled vehicles often face limitations. Meanwhile, the K9 and K10 systems would significantly strengthen the Canadian Army’s artillery capabilities at a time when long-range fires have become a defining lesson of modern warfare.
At the same time, domestic industrial participation remains a key consideration for Ottawa. Defence procurements are increasingly evaluated not only on military performance but also on their ability to generate economic benefits, support Canadian jobs, and strengthen sovereign manufacturing capabilities. The Algoma Steel partnership demonstrates how future defence programs could connect Canadian resource producers, manufacturers, and maintenance providers to long-term military projects.
Taken together, the submarine proposal, land systems offerings, and industrial partnerships illustrate an increasingly comprehensive South Korean approach to the Canadian market. Rather than competing for a single procurement, Korean defence firms are positioning themselves as long-term strategic partners capable of supporting multiple modernization programs while contributing to Canada’s broader goal of rebuilding its domestic defence industrial base.
As major procurement competitions move forward over the coming years, the success of that strategy will ultimately depend on Ottawa’s evaluation of capability, cost, industrial benefits, and strategic considerations. Nevertheless, South Korea’s multi-platform offer has already established itself as one of the most wide-ranging foreign defence proposals currently under consideration by Canada.
