ROK Navy’s KSS-III submarine arrives in Canada

May 26, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy KSS-III submarine, known as Dosan Ahn Changho, has arrived at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, just outside of Victoria, British Columbia.

The KSS-III submarine started the 2-month, over 14,000 km voyage from Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea to Canada on March 25, 2026. The KSS-III made logistical stops in Guam and Hawaii.

In Hawaii, two RCN submariners embarked and joined the ROK Navy crew for the voyage onward to Victoria, highlighting the operational integration and partnership between the two navies.

The ROK Navy KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho submarine, along with the ROK Navy Daejeon frigate that also made the voyage, will participate in joint exercises with the RCN.

The submarine was built by Hanwha Ocean at its shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, and the company is proposing the design for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

Canada shortlists TKMS and Hanwha Ocean for next-gen submarine project

Vessels

Hanwha Ocean has the fastest delivery schedule for CPSP, able to deliver four KSS-III submarines to fully replace Canada’s current Victoria-class fleet before 2035 if on contract in 2026, according to the officials.

Earlier retirement of the Victoria-class fleet will result in estimated savings of approximately $1 billion on maintenance and support costs. The additional 8 submarines will be delivered at a rate of one per year, meaning the entire fleet of twelve submarines will be delivered to Canada by 2043.

The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project represents a new platform for Canada and South Korea to build from together – linking our Governments, Armed Forces, Navies and defence sectors closely together for decades,” said Lim Ki-mo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Canada.

“The future of Canada’s defence industrial strategy is not simply about acquiring military platforms — it is about building trusted, long-term industrial partnerships that strengthen sovereign capability, create high-quality jobs, and support Canadian industry across the country. Hanwha Ocean is committed to becoming a trusted long-term partner for Canada through local investment, industrial cooperation, workforce development, and sustained economic engagement that supports Canada’s ‘Buy Canadian’ approach,” stated Charlie SC Eoh, President, Hanwha Ocean