A South Korean government delegation led by President Lee Jae-myung's chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik departed for Toronto on January 26 to support the country's bid for Canada's submarine project valued at up to 60 trillion won. The consortium of Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is competing against Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, with Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan joining the mission.
President Lee Jae-myung's chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik told reporters at Incheon International Airport on January 26 that "the (Canadian) submarine project's bidders have now been narrowed down to the Republic of Korea and Germany." He added, "Through this visit, we will meet senior Canadian officials to explain the advanced capabilities of Korean submarines and convey the government's commitment to expanding security and industrial cooperation between the two countries."
The delegation includes Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, along with Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan. The government requested participation from companies like Hyundai and Hanwha, with Chung expected to explore broader business opportunities in Canada.
Canada's project aims to acquire 8 to 12 submarines with a total budget of up to 60 trillion won (about $40.9-43.7 billion). The Korean consortium of Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has been shortlisted alongside Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Competition is intense, as Germany is a manufacturing powerhouse and South Korea initially developed its submarine technology with German assistance. Canada requires bidders to build local infrastructure for submarine repair, maintenance, and even car manufacturing facilities.
After Canada, Kang plans to visit Norway to discuss expanding defense ties, particularly Hanwha Aerospace's pursuit of a long-range rocket procurement deal with its K239 Chunmoo system. This is his second trip there, following an October visit where he delivered a personal letter from President Lee. The government is also preparing support for defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Peru. Appointed as special envoy for strategic economic cooperation in October, Kang is aiding the administration's goal of making South Korea one of the world's top four arms exporters.
