ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho has completed the first stage of the longest voyage ever undertaken by a South Korean submarine, in a mission that could influence Canada’s choice of 12 new submarines
South Korea has taken another significant step in its international defense market push by deploying the submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho to Canada in an unprecedented mission that has already entered the history of the South Korean Navy. The vessel completed the first leg of the journey by docking in Guam, in the Indo-Pacific, after departing South Korea last month.
The deployment of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho is more than just a naval transit. It represents a strategic demonstration of capability, endurance, and global reach, amid the competition for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Program, valued between $20 billion and $40 billion.
The South Korean submarine is the first of the KSS-III class, a diesel-electric model considered one of the most advanced ever developed by Seoul. Its presence in Canada is intended to strengthen Hanwha Ocean’s bid, as it seeks to convince Ottawa to select the KSS-III as the future backbone of the country’s submarine fleet.
Currently, Canada operates four aging submarines inherited from the former British fleet and incorporated into the Royal Canadian Navy between the 1990s and 2000s. Since 2021, the country has been evaluating alternatives to renew its submarine capability, with the South Korean proposal competing primarily against the Type 212CD, offered by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.
According to Yonhap news agency, the total route of the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho could reach 14,000 kilometers, making it the longest mission ever carried out by a South Korean submarine. After its stop in Guam, the vessel is expected to head to Hawaii for refueling before completing the journey to Canada.
The operation will also include a direct military cooperation component. Two Royal Canadian Navy submariners are expected to board the submarine during the final stage of the journey to closely monitor the performance of the South Korean platform during transit.
In a statement shared on social media, the Republic of Korea Navy said the deployment of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho will also highlight maritime security and defense cooperation between South Korea and Canada through joint exercises.
The submarine is expected to arrive in Canada in June, coinciding with the period when Ottawa is likely to move forward in selecting the program’s winner. After activities with the Royal Canadian Navy, the submarine will also take part in the Rim of the Pacific 2026 naval exercise near Hawaii before returning to South Korea.
South Korea’s campaign in Canada is part of a broader strategy to expand the country’s defense industry presence in the global market. While the KSS-III was originally designed to meet South Korea’s strategic needs in response to threats from North Korea, the platform has since been adapted for export versions aimed at various international customers.
With the voyage of the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, Seoul is not only promoting its most advanced submarine but also sending a clear message: it aims to position its naval defense industry as a global leader.
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Source and images: USNI News, Republic of Korea Navy. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
