The Dosan Ahn Changho, a state-of-the-art submarine from South Korea, docked at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, British Columbia, on Saturday morning. This significant event marks the beginning of a series of ceremonies and joint exercises with the Canadian Navy, as the federal government inches closer to selecting a contractor for its long-awaited submarine procurement. The submarine, constructed by Hanwha, is one of the two final contenders, alongside Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), vying for a contract to deliver up to 12 new diesel-electric submarines for Canada.
A Strategic Arrival
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho is not merely a ceremonial occasion; it forms part of an extensive military exercise designed to strengthen ties between the South Korean and Canadian navies. Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the vessel’s presence at such a pivotal moment in the procurement process. “We’ve been at this for a while. We wanted the sub to come over here,” he noted. “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, both bidders presented their final proposals to the Canadian government, following an extension of the bidding process intended to encourage enhanced offers from each company. The deadline for submissions was set for March 2, 2023, and on March 25, the Dosan Ahn Changho commenced its journey from the Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea, embarking on a 14,000-kilometre trek across the Pacific, with refuelling stops in Guam and Hawaii.
Canadian Submariners Join the Crew
During a stop in Hawaii, two Canadian submariners, Lieutenant-Commander Britany Bourgeois and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon, boarded the Dosan Ahn Changho to learn from their South Korean counterparts. They are set to be joined by six additional Canadians before the submarine departs for further exercises. Lt.-Comm. Bourgeois reflected on her experience aboard, noting stark contrasts between the new vessel and Canada’s ageing Victoria-class submarines. Currently, only one of Canada’s 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,” she stated. Petty Officer Dixon likened the experience to upgrading from an old Honda Civic to a new Tesla, underscoring the technological advancements represented by the Dosan Ahn Changho.
Challenges Ahead for the Canadian Navy
With approximately 200 submariners currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, the navy faces a significant challenge in scaling up personnel to operate its anticipated fleet of new submarines. Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, highlighted the need for a substantial increase in crew numbers, estimating that the force should grow to around 1,000 personnel.
“Is it a challenge? Absolutely, but it’s also an opportunity,” he remarked, noting a surge in recruitment interest, particularly in the naval experience programme, where one-third of recruits are opting for submarine roles. The navy plans to align its crew training with the anticipated delivery timeline of the new vessels, paving the way for a more robust underwater capability.
Why it Matters
The arrival of the Dosan Ahn Changho is a critical step in revitalising Canada’s naval defence strategy. As the country gears up to modernise its ageing submarine fleet, the implications extend beyond military readiness. This procurement process reflects Canada’s commitment to enhancing its maritime security and fostering international partnerships, particularly with allies like South Korea. A modern navy not only strengthens Canada’s defence posture but also contributes to global maritime stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
