The South Korean submarine Dosan Ahn Changho has made a significant entrance into CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, British Columbia, marking the commencement of joint military exercises with the Canadian Navy. This visit comes at a crucial juncture as Canada approaches its decision on procuring up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines. The vessel’s manufacturer, Hanwha Defence, is vying for the contract alongside Germany’s TKMS.
A Milestone Visit
The submarine’s arrival on Saturday is not merely ceremonial; it serves as a vital opportunity for collaboration between Canadian and South Korean forces. Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada, expressed enthusiasm about showcasing the submarine during such a pivotal phase of the procurement process. “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,” he stated.
Earlier this year, both Hanwha and TKMS delivered their final proposals to the Canadian government after an extended bidding process aimed at encouraging more competitive offers. The deadline for these submissions was set for March 2, following which the government prompted both contenders to strengthen their bids.
Journey Across the Pacific
The Dosan Ahn Changho embarked on a remarkable 14,000-kilometre journey from Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea on March 25. Its voyage included refuelling stops in Guam and Hawaii, where two Canadian submariners, Lieutenant-Commander Britany Bourgeois and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon, boarded the vessel. They were later joined by six more Canadians, enhancing the collaborative experience.
Lt.-Comm. Bourgeois noted stark contrasts between the new submarine and Canada’s aging Victoria-class fleet, of which only one of the four vessels is currently operational. “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. Petty Officer Dixon added a light-hearted comparison, stating, “It’s kind of like buying a brand-new Tesla and then you’re coming out of a ’99 Honda Civic.”
Skills Development and Cultural Exchange
During their time aboard, Bourgeois and Dixon seized the opportunity to enhance their skills in naval warfare and electrical systems, respectively. The experience was not solely technical; it also offered a taste of South Korean culture, as the onboard chef prepared various specialties, including Galbi, a traditional braised short rib dish.
Currently, approximately 200 submariners are serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, but this number is expected to grow significantly as the navy prepares to operate a larger fleet. Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that the submariner workforce must expand to 1,000. “Is it a challenge? Absolutely, but it’s also an opportunity,” he said, noting the surge in interest in naval careers, with one-third of recruits opting for submarine roles.
Preparing for the Future
Once the federal government selects a preferred bidder for the submarine contract, Rear-Admiral Patchell indicated that the navy would begin developing its 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 affirmed.
Why it Matters
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho underscores a pivotal moment in Canada’s naval history. As the nation prepares to modernise its submarine fleet, the collaboration with South Korea not only enhances military capabilities but also fosters international partnerships. With increasing recruitment efforts and a commitment to building a robust naval force, Canada is poised to redefine its role on the global maritime stage. The implications of this procurement will resonate far beyond mere hardware; they represent a strategic shift towards a more formidable and self-sufficient naval presence.
