South Korea has mobilized a coordinated whole-of-government and whole-of-industry effort to support its participation in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), reinforcing its firm commitment to a long-term defence and industrial partnership with Canada.
- The national framework aligns key ministries and defence stakeholders to provide coordinated policy and industrial support for Korea’s participation in the CPSP, in full respect of Canada’s sovereign procurement process
- The framework enables technology transfer and Canadian localization, expands training on operational KSS-III submarines, and underscores Korea’s long-term commitment to sustainable economic and defence-industrial benefits for Canadians
From left (front row): Charlie SC Eoh, President of Hanwha Ocean, alongside representatives from Korea’s key government ministries, underscoring Korea’s unified government–industry backing for its CPSP partnership with Canada.
South Korea Launches National Framework to Support CPSP
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed that key ministries and defence stakeholders are aligned under a national support framework signed on February 20. The framework provides structured policy coordination and institutional support to facilitate the stable and predictable implementation of the CPSP, while fully respecting Canada’s sovereign procurement process and independent decision-making authority.
The signatories include the DAPA, the Ministry of National Defense, the Republic of Korea Navy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the Ministry of Climate and Energy, and the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Under the framework, DAPA will support intellectual property and technology transfer arrangements aimed at enabling meaningful industrial localization in Canada, alongside the pursuit of a bilateral defence export memorandum of understanding to formalize long-term cooperation. The framework also provides for expanded military-to-military engagement, including training opportunities for Canadian crews, instructors, and maintenance personnel aboard operational KSS-III submarines currently in service.
READ: KSS-III Cleared for Launch: Hanwha Ocean – Cover Story
Hanwha Ocean has been identified as a qualified supplier in the CPSP competition to replace Canada’s aging Victoria-class submarine fleet, with proposal submissions scheduled for early March. The Government of Canada has made clear that, beyond capability, schedule, and cost, the successful proposal must deliver meaningful and sustainable economic and industrial benefits for Canadians.
“We sincerely appreciate the strong support of the Government of the Republic of Korea and are fully committed to bringing our nation’s full capabilities to this effort,” said Charlie SC Eoh, President of Hanwha Ocean.
“With DAPA leading this whole-of-government initiative, we are confident in delivering a successful outcome for the CPSP. Our goal is to become a trusted long-term partner to Canada, strengthening its defence capabilities while delivering enduring economic value to Canadians.”
The DAPA stated it will continue working closely with relevant ministries and industry partners to advance Korea’s competitive, reliable, and long-term participation in major international defence programs.
