Jinhae: A 3,000-ton South Korean naval submarine is set to make history as it embarks on its first trans-Pacific journey to participate in joint drills with Canada. The operation, scheduled for June, aims to enhance maritime security and foster cooperation within the arms industry, the Navy announced Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho will undertake a 14,000-kilometer journey as part of a major bid by a South Korean consortium competing against Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for a significant contract. This contract involves supplying 12 naval submarines to the Canadian navy.
The submarine's route will take it from Jinhae to Victoria in western Canada, making stops in Guam and Hawaii for replenishment. For the final leg of the trip from Hawaii to Victoria, two Canadian submariners will join the South Korean crew. Upon completion, this voyage will represent the longest distance traveled by a South Korean submarine.
Beyond the joint drills, the submarine is scheduled to participate in the U.S.-led multinational Rim of the Pacific exercise in Hawaii later in June before it returns to South Korea.
To commemorate the departure, a ceremony was planned at the Submarine Force Command at a major naval base in Jinhae. Key officials such as the vice naval chief and the chief of the state arms procurement agency were expected to attend. The event would also see the presence of foreign dignitaries, including Canadian Ambassador to South Korea Philippe Lafortune and British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks.
South Korea has intensified its efforts to secure the substantial submarine bid, valued at approximately 60 trillion won (US$40 billion). Last month, various government ministries, including those responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and industry, alongside the Navy and defense firms Hanwha Ocean Co. and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., signed a document affirming government support for the bid.