The South Korean submarine Dosan Ahn Changho made its entrance into Victoria’s CFB Esquimalt on Saturday morning, marking the start of a significant joint military exercise with the Canadian Navy. This event occurs as Canada edges closer to selecting a contractor for its long-awaited submarine procurement, with South Korea’s Hanwha Defence competing against Germany’s TKMS for the opportunity to construct up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines.
A Historic Arrival
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho is not merely a ceremonial gesture; it represents a pivotal moment in Canada’s ongoing defence procurement process. Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the submarine’s presence during this crucial time. “We’ve been at this for a while. We wanted the sub to come over here,” he remarked, highlighting the strategic importance of showcasing the vessel to Canadian officials.
The submarine’s journey began on March 25, when it departed from Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea. Covering a distance of 14,000 kilometres, the vessel made refuelling stops in Guam and Hawaii, where two Canadian submariners, Lieutenant-Commander Britany Bourgeois and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon, joined the crew on May 7. An additional six Canadian personnel are expected to be on board for the return voyage.
Insights from the Canadian Crew
During their time aboard the Dosan Ahn Changho, Lt.-Comm. Bourgeois and Petty Officer Dixon noted the stark contrasts between this modern submarine and Canada’s ageing fleet of Victoria-class submarines. Currently, only one of the four Victoria-class submarines is operational, with the others undergoing repairs. “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,” said Lt.-Comm. Bourgeois, who has been serving in the navy for a decade.
Petty Officer Dixon likened the experience of sailing on the Dosan Ahn Changho to upgrading from an older car to a brand-new model. “It’s kind of like buying a brand-new Tesla and then you’re coming out of a ’99 Honda Civic,” he quipped, underscoring the urgent need for modernisation within Canada’s naval capabilities.
Building a Future Submarine Force
Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, emphasised the necessity for a larger crew to effectively operate the planned fleet of new submarines. Currently, only around 200 submariners serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, far below what is required for a substantial fleet. “To operate our submarines effectively, that number must grow to 1,000,” he stated. Despite the challenges, he sees a silver lining in the increasing interest in naval careers, with one-third of recruits choosing to specialise in submarines.
Once a contractor is selected, the navy plans to align its crew-building initiatives with the delivery timeline of the new submarines. “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,” Rear-Admiral Patchell asserted.
Why it Matters
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho not only showcases the advanced capabilities of modern submarines but also highlights Canada’s pressing need to rejuvenate its naval fleet. As the nation prepares to make a pivotal decision on its submarine procurement, the emphasis on modernisation and recruitment reflects a broader commitment to strengthen national defence. This moment stands as a catalyst for Canada’s evolution into a more robust maritime force, equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary security challenges.
