The arrival of the South Korean submarine Dosan Ahn Changho at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, British Columbia, marks a significant moment in Canada’s ongoing efforts to modernise its naval capabilities. The submarine’s visit, which commenced on Saturday morning, is part of a larger series of joint exercises with the Canadian Navy, coinciding with Ottawa’s critical decision-making phase regarding a historic submarine procurement programme.
A Competitive Procurement Process
South Korea’s Hanwha Defence, the manufacturer of the newly arrived submarine, is one of two finalists vying for a lucrative government contract to build up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines for Canada. The other contender is Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the submarine’s presence, stating, “We’ve been at this for a while. We wanted the sub to come over here. We’re going to take advantage of the timing, the fact that the submarine is here, and we’re quite happy to get that promoted.”
The procurement process has seen recent intensification, with both companies making final pitches to the federal government after an extended bidding period aimed at encouraging enhanced proposals from each contender. This follows the initial submission deadline of March 2.
Journey Across the Pacific
The Dosan Ahn Changho embarked on a remarkable 14,000-kilometre journey from Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea, making necessary refuelling stops in Guam and Hawaii. Canadian involvement began in earnest when two submariners, Lieutenant-Commander Britany Bourgeois and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon, joined the Korean crew in Hawaii on May 7. Six additional Canadian submariners are expected to board before the submarine’s departure from Canada.
Lieutenant-Commander Bourgeois noted the stark differences between the Dosan Ahn Changho and Canada’s ageing Victoria-class submarines, stating, “Being on a newer submarine really opened our eyes to the possibilities of what we have in store. What really hits home is that Canada needs new submarines.” She added that only one of Canada’s four Victoria-class submarines is currently operational, highlighting the urgent need for modernisation.
Petty Officer Dixon offered a vivid comparison, likening the experience of being aboard the Dosan Ahn Changho to “buying a brand-new Tesla and then you’re coming out of a ’99 Honda Civic.”
Training and Development Opportunities
During their time on the submarine, Bourgeois and Dixon seized the opportunity to enhance their skills in various domains. For Bourgeois, the focus was on naval warfare, while Dixon concentrated on electrical systems. He humorously noted his culinary adventure as well, stating that the ship’s chef prepared a variety of spicy dishes, including Galbi, a traditional Korean braised short ribs delicacy.
Currently, Canada boasts around 200 submariners within its Armed Forces, a number that will need to expand significantly to operate the future fleet effectively. Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, emphasised the necessity of increasing this figure to 1,000. “Is it a challenge? Absolutely, but it’s also an opportunity,” he stated, pointing to a notable rise in recruitment interest. “In our naval experience programme, one third of them are selecting submarines.”
The Future of Canada’s Submarine Capability
Once the federal government selects a winner for the submarine procurement, Rear-Admiral Patchell indicated that the Navy would begin the process of building crews in alignment with the delivery schedule of the new vessels. “We have operated submarines for over 100 years, but we have never truly been a submarine nation. But with 12 modern submarines, Canada will be a submarine nation,” he asserted.
Why it Matters
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho is more than just a ceremonial event; it signifies a pivotal moment in Canada’s naval strategy. As the nation looks to bolster its submarine fleet amid evolving global maritime threats, this procurement process will ultimately shape the future of Canada’s defence capabilities. The successful integration of modern submarines will not only enhance operational readiness but also solidify Canada’s position as a significant player in maritime security on the world stage.
