Industry minister says Korea's submarine bid remains competitive despite geopolitical hurdles

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan signaled confidence in the competitiveness of Korea’s submarine proposal for Canada’s multibillion-dollar fleet renewal project. However, he cautioned that rising geopolitical pressures and Ottawa’s emphasis on NATO interoperability could cloud the final decision, with Germany as the other contender. Hanwha Ocean is competing with Germany's TKMS for the $39 billion project to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging fleet of four Victoria-class submarines with 12 new 3,000-ton diesel-electric vessels, with the contract also covering long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The project is seen as a pivotal opportunity for Korea’s shipbuilding sector and a gateway to expanding its defense footprint in North America. The Canadian government is expected to select a preferred bidder by the end of this month. “If (Korea) wins, it would suggest that Canada placed greater weight on the industrial cooperation package than on NATO considerations,” the minister said during a press briefing at Government Complex Sejong, Monday. “Given thWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times