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The Dosan Ahn Changho, a cutting-edge submarine from South Korea, docked at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria on Saturday, marking a significant moment in Canada’s pursuit of a modernised naval fleet. This visit coincides with a series of joint exercises with the Canadian Navy and reflects the ongoing competition between South Korea’s Hanwha Defence and Germany’s TKMS to secure a contract for the construction of up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines for Canada.
A Strategic Milestone
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho is not merely ceremonial; it represents a pivotal phase in Canada’s submarine procurement process. Hanwha Defence Canada’s CEO, Glenn Copeland, 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.”
Earlier this year, the two contenders for the contract made their final bids to the federal government, which had extended the bidding timeline to motivate both companies to enhance their offers. This came after the initial proposals were submitted by the March 2 deadline. Following this, the Dosan Ahn Changho embarked on a remarkable 14,000-kilometre journey from the Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea, making stops in Guam and Hawaii for refuelling.
Canadian Personnel on Board
The importance of this visit is underscored by the involvement of Canadian submariners. Lieutenant-Commander Britany Bourgeois and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon joined the Korean crew in Hawaii on May 7, with plans for six more Canadians to board the submarine before its departure from Victoria. Their experiences aboard the Dosan Ahn Changho have been eye-opening, particularly in contrast to Canada’s ageing fleet of Victoria-class submarines, of which only one is currently operational.
LCdr. Bourgeois noted the stark differences, highlighting the absence of rust and the spacious design of the Korean vessel. “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 remarked. PO2 Dixon likened the experience to “buying a brand-new Tesla and then you’re coming out of a ’99 Honda Civic,” illustrating the urgent need for modernisation in the Canadian fleet.
Building Capability for the Future
The opportunity for Canadian submariners to learn aboard the Dosan Ahn Changho extends beyond technical skills. Both LCdr. Bourgeois and PO2 Dixon have been honing their talents in various areas of naval warfare and electrical systems. Additionally, they’ve embraced aspects of Korean culture, with meals onboard featuring traditional dishes like Galbi, a braised short ribs specialty.
With only about 200 submariners currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, the need for a larger crew is pressing. Rear-Admiral David Patchell, who oversees Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, emphasised the challenge and opportunity this presents. He stated that the navy aims to expand its personnel to around 1,000 to operate the forthcoming submarines effectively. “We’re seeing incredible uptick in recruiting. In our naval experience program, one third of them are selecting submarines,” he noted.
A New Era for Canada’s Naval Forces
The selection of a contractor for the submarine procurement is a critical juncture for Canada’s naval ambitions. As Rear-Admiral Patchell remarked, Canada has operated submarines for over a century, but it has never truly been recognised as a submarine nation. “With 12 modern submarines, Canada will be a submarine nation,” he affirmed, highlighting the strategic shift this procurement could initiate.
Why it Matters
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho is more than a mere showcase of military capability; it signifies Canada’s commitment to revitalising its maritime defence strategy. As the nation stands on the cusp of potentially transformative changes in its naval fleet, the implications extend beyond military readiness. This initiative addresses broader questions of national security and international partnership, particularly in an age where geopolitical tensions are rising. The development of a robust submarine fleet could redefine Canada’s role on the global stage, enhancing its capabilities and ensuring that it is equipped to meet modern challenges.