Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung’s chief of staff has embarked on a strategic mission to Toronto, aiming to bolster South Korea’s bid for a significant submarine project in Canada. This competitive bid sees South Korea pitted against Germany, with the contract valued at up to 60 trillion won (US$40.9 billion).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, has traveled to Canada as South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co. is among the final contenders for the submarine program. The competition is narrowed down to South Korea and Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
Kang, addressing reporters at Incheon International Airport before his departure, highlighted the focus of his 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,” he stated.
Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive government support for the export bid, Kang acknowledged the challenging competition from Germany, a renowned global manufacturing leader. He also noted that Korean firms initially developed their submarine technologies with German assistance.
Following his Canadian visit, Kang plans to travel to Norway to explore defense cooperation opportunities, with a decision on the defense deal anticipated soon. This marks his second visit to Norway after a previous trip in October, where he delivered a personal letter from President Lee.
In Norway, Hanwha Aerospace Co., the producer of the K239 Chumnoo multiple rocket launcher system, is pursuing a major long-range rocket procurement project. Additionally, Kang mentioned the government’s efforts to expand defense cooperation with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Peru.
Kang’s appointment as Lee’s special envoy for strategic economic cooperation in October underscores the administration’s objective to position South Korea among the world’s top four arms exporters.