A significant moment unfolded on Saturday as the Dosan Ahn Changho submarine docked at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, British Columbia. This event not only marks a pivotal joint military exercise between South Korea and Canada but also coincides with the crucial stages of Canada’s submarine procurement initiative. With South Korea’s Hanwha Defence and Germany’s TKMS vying for the contract to supply up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines, the stakes are particularly high as both companies prepare to make their case to Ottawa.
A Historic Arrival
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho submarine is more than just a ceremonial occasion. It signifies the latest chapter in Canada’s long-standing quest to modernise its naval capabilities. Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada, expressed enthusiasm over the submarine’s presence at this critical juncture in the procurement process. “We’ve been at this for a while. We wanted the sub to come over here,” he stated, highlighting the strategic timing of the vessel’s arrival as both companies refine their final proposals to the Canadian government.
Earlier this year, the bidding process was extended to encourage both Hanwha and TKMS to enhance their offers, with submissions due by March 2. Following these developments, 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 Submariners Gain Valuable Experience
As part of the submarine’s deployment, two Canadian submariners, Lieutenant-Commander Britany Bourgeois and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon, joined the crew in Hawaii on May 7. They will be accompanied by six additional Canadians upon departure. Lt.-Comm. Bourgeois, who has dedicated a decade to submarining, remarked on the stark contrasts between the modern Dosan Ahn Changho and Canada’s aging Victoria-class submarines, of which only one is currently operational. “Being on a newer submarine really opened our eyes to the possibilities of what we have in store,” she noted, emphasising the urgent need for Canada to modernise its fleet.
Petty Officer Dixon added a relatable analogy, comparing the experience to upgrading from an older vehicle to a state-of-the-art model. “It’s kind of like buying a brand-new Tesla and then you’re coming out of a ’99 Honda Civic,” he quipped, illustrating the significant advancements in technology and capabilities housed within modern submarines.
Recruitment Challenges and Opportunities
Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, underscored the recruitment challenges facing the Canadian Navy. Currently, there are around 200 submariners in service, a number that needs to increase to approximately 1,000 to adequately crew the anticipated new fleet. “Is it a challenge? Absolutely, but it’s also an opportunity,” he stated, reflecting on the encouraging rise in enlistments, particularly in the naval experience programme where a third of recruits are expressing interest in submarines.
The Royal Canadian Navy has a long history of operating submarines, but Rear-Admiral Patchell noted that Canada has never been fully recognised as a submarine nation. “With 12 modern submarines, Canada will be a submarine nation,” he affirmed, highlighting the transformative potential of this procurement process.
Forward-Looking Perspectives
As the Dosan Ahn Changho prepares to engage in joint exercises with the Canadian Navy, it serves as a timely reminder of the pressing need for modernisation within Canada’s naval fleet. The collaboration between South Korean and Canadian forces not only enhances operational capabilities but also fosters a deeper understanding of contemporary naval warfare.
With the federal government poised to make a decision on the submarine procurement soon, the implications of this choice will resonate throughout the Canadian Armed Forces and beyond.
Why it Matters
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho submarine is not merely a logistical event; it represents a critical step in bolstering Canada’s maritime defence capabilities at a time when global security dynamics are rapidly evolving. The outcome of the procurement process will shape the future of Canada’s naval operations and its role in international maritime security. As the country stands on the brink of a significant transition, the successful integration of modern submarines could redefine Canada’s standing as a formidable submarine nation on the world stage.
