SEOUL – As the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) formalizes ‘Under-ice Operation’ capabilities as a core requirement for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), the Global Affairs Lab, an international policy institute, has identified South Korea’s KSS-III Batch-II as the optimal ‘comprehensive solution’ to meet Canada’s evolving security needs.
In its latest report, titled “The CPSP Race: Comparing Strategic Submarine Models,” the institute evaluates the South Korean proposal through six strategic pillars:
1. World-Class Submerged Endurance: A Hybrid System for the Arctic – The report highlights the world’s first hybrid propulsion system, combining Hydrogen Fuel Cells (AIP) with advanced Lithium-ion batteries developed by Samsung SDI. This technology triples submerged endurance compared to lead-acid batteries, providing a decisive strategic advantage for the RCN, which must operate for extended periods under Arctic ice without surfacing.
2. Unmatched Delivery Reliability: Closing the Capability Gap – With the retirement of the aging Victoria-class fleet looming, addressing Canada’s critical “capability gap” is a top priority. The report emphasizes that South Korea offers a proven, combat-ready platform rather than unverified “paper designs” from competitors. Hanwha Ocean has proposed shortening the typical 9-year delivery timeline to just 6 years, demonstrating world-leading construction efficiency.
3. Inclusive Living Environment: Spacious and compartmentalized living quarters are essential for integrating female submariners and establishing mixed-gender crew systems—key factors for recruitment and retention. Hanwha Ocean further ensures mission readiness by inviting Canadian crews to South Korea for tactical training during the construction phase.
4. Strategic Firepower: The ‘Arctic Predator’ with 10 VLS Cells – Canada’s requirement for under-ice operations signals a commitment to platforms with genuine offensive capabilities. The KSS-III was designed with high hull integrity for SLBM operations, making it optimized for “ice-breaking surfacing” tactics. Its 10-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS), capable of integrating South Korea’s latest hypersonic missile technology, provides the overwhelming maritime deterrent Canada seeks.
5. Life-Cycle MRO and Defense Sovereignty: Focusing on technological self-sufficiency, South Korea has established an advanced partnership with Ontario Shipyards. Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai plan to transfer design, engineering, and smart shipyard process technologies, enabling Canada to independently maintain, repair, and upgrade its fleet. This roadmap ensures Canada can protect its security sovereignty while evolving its submarines into true ‘Arctic Predators.’
6. ‘One Team Korea’ Synergy: The ‘One Team Korea’ strategy offers a comprehensive economic package aligned with ‘Buy Canadian’ policies: – Hydrogen Mobility: Collaboration in fuel cells and commercial transport led by Hyundai Motor Group. – Supply Chain: Investment in Algoma Steel by Hanwha Ocean and crude oil imports by HD Hyundai Oilbank. – Future Tech: Partnerships with local innovators such as Cohere (AI), Telesat (LEO Satellites), MDA Space, and PV Labs.
The Global Affairs Lab predicts that the upcoming evaluation process will be a major turning point for Canada’s maritime strategy. The report concludes that the South Korean integrated model stands out by simultaneously offering technical superiority for Arctic operations and industrial resilience through domestic MRO capabilities.
The full report, “The CPSP Race: Comparing Strategic Submarine Models,” is available on the Global Affairs Lab official website.
About Global Affairs Lab:
Global Affairs Lab is an international relations institute specializing in Korea-U.S. relations and Northeast Asian geopolitical risks.
Media Contact: Global Affairs Lab
Email: contact@globaf.org
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