Will the engineers who built the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho-class submarine also build a Canadian submarine?

log date: 2026-1-28

The South Korea's special envoy for strategic economic cooperation visited Canada today. South Korea is currently competing with Germany in the final bid for the Canadian submarine acquisition project.

Canada is approaching the selection process with a strong commitment to fundamentally transforming its industrial and security policies through this submarine acquisition project rather than simply purchasing new weapons.

This submarine project also represents a major leap forward for South Korea's defense industry. 

The special envoy Hoon-sik Gahng, Chief of Staff to the President Lee, stated that if South Korea wins in this bid, it will be the largest-ever joint project with Canada, opening the door to entry into the NATO market.

The Dosan Ahn Chang-ho-class submarine, unlike the Jang Bogo-class submarine (SS-I) and Sohn Wonil-class submarine (SS-II) which were built in technical collaboration with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany, was designed and built solely by South Korean engineers, making South Korea the eighth country capable of building submarines exceeding 3,000 tons. It is equipped with a Vertical Launch System (VLS) capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).


The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) South Korea released a video introducing the construction process of the first submarine built solely by South Korean engineers.
The Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine >>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHJGnKSxFbM


The steel-cutting ceremony for the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine, held on September 2018.


Minister of National Defence of Canada David McGuinty reportedly recounted a time when a submarine's ceiling was too low, causing injuries. However, during the visit to Hanwha Shipyard in Geoje Island of South Korea last year, McGuinty had the opportunity to inspect the interior of a submarine under construction. He said the submarine appeared completely safe from such dangers and that he wanted to bring the submarine, which was back then under construction, to Canada.

Amidst the recent uncertainty in the international order, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement of Canada Stephen Fuhr is responsible for modernizing Canada's weapons systems. Fuhr, a former Air Force pilot with deep expertise in weapons systems, will visit South Korea next week to board a South Korean Navy submarine.


KBS footage in collaboration with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
The unveiled submarine's interior >>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1a9J27bXu0
Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering which planned the construction of the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine in November 2014. An independent submarine construction plan was considered impossible. However, in September 2018, South Korean engineers completed construction and held a launching ceremony. After three years of successful testing and evaluation, the DAPA unveiled the submarine's interior on August 12, 2021.


The Dosan Ahn Changho submarine designed to make life on board less difficult
by assigning one bed per person.
Source: KBS News  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1a9J27bXu0


Like other countries, Canada is known for its meticulous approach to large-scale projects with foreign partners, rigorously examining every detail before finalizing a contract. This is to ensure that Canadian taxpayers' dollars are not wasted.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney, who received an official letter from South Korean President Lee today, is also known for making the best choice after careful and thorough consideration rather than making hasty decisions.


Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney (right in the photo) welcomed the special envoy sent by the Republic of Korea President Jae-myoung Lee.


Considering the corporate transgressions along with corrupt officials in the past, trust in South Korean conglomerates and political power is fairly low. However, I do have unwavering trust in the exceptional technical prowess and integrity of South Korean engineers including shipbuilders.

The skill of Korean engineers with decades of experience is truly astounding. The Canadian government known for its strict adherence to the process will be greatly satisfied.

As aforementioned, Germany and South Korea are competing in the final bid for this Canadian submarine acquisition project. 

Germany's submarine construction history is incomparably longer than that of South Korea. Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising if Canada chose German submarines over Korean ones. 

The Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine is the first one built solely by South Korean engineers.

South Korea is one of the few countries globally with advanced shipbuilding technology which is highly regarded. Therefore, I believe South Korean engineers can also build excellent submarines. Furthermore, as the special envoy mentioned, South Korea participated in this bid with the expectation of securing orders from a larger market by building superior Canadian submarines, and thus, a great deal of effort will likely be put into this project. 

Nonetheless, and most importantly, Canada should not rush into selecting a submarine builder. To secure the most robust, stealthy, fastest, and safest submarines, every detail must be exhaustively considered.

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