ROKN Supports RCN Submariner Embark Program Aboard ROKS Ahnmu
ROKS Ahnmu conducted training with a RCN submariner embarked during Exercise Silent Shark
The embark program served as a direct opportunity to introduce the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho-class submarine’s excellence from the operator’s perspective
The Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy conducted at-sea training from December 5-10 with a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) submariner embarked aboard the 3,000-ton SS-III ROKS Ahnmu that is participating in the ROK and the United States (U.S.) combined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise Silent Shark 2025.
This RCN submariner embark program aboard ROKS Ahnmu was prepared as part of expanding personnel and training engagements to maintain momentum of submarine operational cooperation between the two navies in conjunction with the ROK Navy’s support of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
It is unprecedented for the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho-class submarine to embark a foreign submariner for training. The existing 1,200 ton SS-I Jang Bo Go-class submarines and the 1,800 ton SS-II Son Won Il-class submarines had exchanged and embarked submariners with foreign navies during combined exercises – such as Silent Shark, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), and Pacific Reach (PACREACH) – further increasing interoperability and enhancing partnerships.
Canadian Submarine Force Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Etienne Langlois embarked and conducted training aboard ROKS Ahnmu during the combined ASW exercise which began from December 5. CPO1 Langlois is a seasoned submarine sonar technician with 27 years of experience in the RCN, notably serving aboard the Victoria-class submarines and as instructor at the Submarine School.
During this training, the Sailors from ROKS Ahnmu proceeded with an ASW passing exercise, free play, and combined ASW, offering opportunities to CPO1 Langlois to realistically experience and understand the operating procedures for key training scenarios.
Additionally, the Sailors offered an explanation from the operator’s perspective on the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho-class submarine’s exceptional performance by introducing the systems and equipment that CPO1 Langlois had not experienced before aboard the RCN submarines.
“The first-ever embark training with a RCN submariner aboard the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho-class submarine ROKS Ahnmu during this exercise stands as a symbol of close engagement and mutual cooperation between our navies,” said Captain Geonyoung Ahn, the commanding officer of ROKS Ahnmu.
“This training and experience aboard the ROK submarine will serve as a great opportunity to once again verify the excellence of the ROK Navy submarines, and moreover, as a catalyst for the ROK Navy’s contributions to Korean maritime defense exports.” “The embark program aboard ROKS Ahnmu allowed me to build a strong camaraderie with ROK submariners and also to see firsthand the advanced level of technology on the submarine that the ROK domestically built,” said CPO1 Langlois. “I look forward to achieving mutual growth through continued engagement between our navies.”
On the other hand, the ROK Navy will exert continued effort to implement the Total Solution in support of Korean maritime defense exports to include submarines and frigates.
4 thoughts on “ROKN Supports RCN Submariner Embark Program Aboard ROKS Ahnmu”
I am hoping a decision for submarines progresses smoothly. Yes there is another group competing but we need these quickly. There is other equipment that they can supply. Hanwha should be a partner with them after all in a conflict scenario numerous sites to build and service is to be considered.
Very interesting and it seems as though the South Koreans are really putting on a sales pitch. TKMS doesn’t have a submarine built yet so no comparison experience can be had at the present time.
Excellent news! Its good to see Canada getting more closely integrated with the ROKN
The article does not state if it was a batch-1 or batch-2 KSS-III (it only notes Dosan Ahn Chang Ho class). But given the batch-2 KSS-III was only recently launched, I suspect it was most likely the smaller slightly older batch-1 and not the batch-2 KSS-III. South Korea has proposed the larger batch-2 to Canada. My understanding is the KSS-III batch-2 are much more capable than the batch-1.
Still – your point is noted. I believe the batch-1 to batch-2 is more an evolutionary design and batch-1 should give a reasonable sense as to what batch-2 will be like and I do believe brief experience of a Canadian submariner on the batch-1 would be useful for the Canadian navy. Also the Canadian experience of working with the South Koreans could possibly be useful and perhaps provide confidence.
Conversely, while Type-212A is operational and presumably TKMS (with agreement from German navy) could offer a Canadian submarine to visit an operational Type-212A for a day to a week, it is likely not that representative to a Type-212CD, where in many respects I suspect the Type-212CD is a more radical update from the 212A. Hence experience on a Type-212A may not be adequately representative. Still, I am curious if TKMS may offer something given this news event?
This is only speculation by myself. It is interesting to read of this event.
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