The Dosan Ahn Changho, a state-of-the-art South Korean submarine, has docked at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, British Columbia, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s ongoing search for a new fleet of submarines. This arrival coincides with a series of ceremonies and joint exercises with the Canadian Navy, as the federal government narrows down its options in a historic procurement process. South Korea’s Hanwha Defence, the submarine’s manufacturer, competes with Germany’s TKMS for a lucrative contract to supply up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines to Canada.
A Strategic Moment for Submarine Procurement
The Dosan Ahn Changho’s visit to Canadian waters is not merely ceremonial; it comes at a critical juncture in the procurement timeline. Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada, expressed enthusiasm about showcasing the submarine during this pivotal phase. “We’ve been at this for a while. We wanted the sub to come over here,” he stated, underlining the strategic importance of the vessel’s presence in Canada.
In May, both Hanwha and TKMS made their final presentations to the Canadian government after the bidding process was extended, encouraging both competitors to enhance their proposals. This extension followed the initial submission deadline of March 2, which set the stage for a fierce competition to secure the contract.
The Journey of the Dosan Ahn Changho
The submarine’s journey from Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea to Victoria spanned approximately 14,000 kilometres, including stops for refuelling in Guam and Hawaii. During the transit, two Canadian submariners, Lieutenant-Commander Britany Bourgeois and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon, boarded the vessel in Hawaii on May 7, with the anticipation of six additional Canadian crew members joining before the submarine’s departure.
Lieutenant-Commander Bourgeois provided insight into the differences between the Dosan Ahn Changho and Canada’s existing fleet of Victoria-class submarines. “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 modernisation in Canada’s submarine capabilities. Currently, only one of Canada’s four Victoria-class submarines is operational, while the others are undergoing repairs.
Growing the Submarine Workforce
Both Bourgeois and Dixon are part of a small contingent of around 200 submariners currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. However, this number is far from sufficient to operate a new fleet of submarines effectively. Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, has stated that the crew size will need to expand significantly to 1,000 personnel.
“This is a challenge,” he acknowledged, “but it’s also an opportunity.” Encouragingly, recruiting efforts have seen a notable uptick, with one-third of new entrants into the naval experience programme expressing interest in submarines.
Once a winner is selected for the submarine contract, Patchell indicated that the navy will align its recruitment and training efforts with the anticipated delivery timeline 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 is a watershed moment for Canada, representing not just an opportunity to enhance its naval capabilities, but also a chance to redefine its role as a submarine-operating nation. The outcome of the current procurement process will have long-lasting implications for national security, defence readiness, and Canada’s strategic position in the Pacific. As the nation grapples with modern threats, the investment in a robust submarine fleet could prove vital in maintaining maritime sovereignty and operational effectiveness in the years ahead.
