South Korean government ramping up push for big submarine deal from Canada,worth about 60 trillion won (US$39.14 billion). Decision due by month's end. Competition tough,especially against Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Project will replace Royal Canadian Navy's old Victoria-class subs with 12 new 3,000-tonne diesel-electric ones.
Canadian Patrol Submarine Project winner also gets long-term maintenance,repair,and overhaul (MRO) work . South Korea's Hanwha Ocean pitching KSS-III-class sub, the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, already used by South Korean Navy. They plan to deliver first four subs by 2035,whole fleet by 2043.
But analysts warn South Korea faces big challenge — Germany and Canada both NATO members. Could sway Ottawa's choice. Moon Keun-sik,professor at Hanyang University and ex-sub captain,thinks South Korea might edge ahead tech-wise.
Unlike TKMS,which offers only paper design,Hanwha Ocean's bid has real-world experience backing it. With deadline looming,stakes are high in this multi-billion-dollar defense race…
