Korea mounts final push for Canada's $39 bil. submarine project
The Korean government and defense players are making last-ditch efforts to win Canada’s next-generation submarine project worth up to 60 trillion won ($39.14 billion), as Ottawa is expected to select a preferred bidder by the end of this month. Under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging fleet of four Victoria-class submarines will be replaced with 12 new 3,000-ton diesel-electric vessels. The comprehensive contract includes long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) lifecycles. With a decision looming, Seoul has elevated its bid to top-tier head-of-state diplomacy, seeking to give Korea’s consortium, led by Hanwha Ocean, an edge over rival bidder TKMS of Germany — a traditional heavyweight in submarine technology — in the closely contested race. President Lee Jae Myung recently provided critical diplomatic backing during a bilateral summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. Lee said he emphasized Korea’s readiness to contribute to Canada’s defense capabil
