Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Aerospace presented their state-of-the-art defense technologies to Dr. David Perry, President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI), who visited Hanwha facilities from January 23-24. The CGAI is recognized as Canada’s leading source of expertise on global affairs and Dr. Perry’s visit is timely as Hanwha is laying the ground work for a strategic expansion into the Canadian market.
Dr. Perry's visit to Korea encompassed an extensive tour of Hanwha Ocean's R&D campus and shipyard, as well as Hanwha Aerospace's manufacturing plants. During the tour, Dr. Perry observed firsthand the exceptional maritime capabilities including the KSS-III Submarine and various artillery capabilities including the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and Chunmoo MRLS. These naval and land platforms would contribute to the modernization of the Canadian Army and Navy with timely cost-effective solutions that meet Canada's operational needs.
“Our KSS-III Submarines, operating primarily in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, are the optimal choice for Canada.” said Sung Kyun Jeong, Head of Hanwha Ocean's Naval Ship International Business. “As the sole company in Korea constructing submarines equipped with the latest lithium-ion batteries, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, Hanwha Ocean is committed to playing a vital role in strengthening the robust strategic partnership between Korea and Canada.”
“An impressive track record provides Hanwha with a favorable position for potential success in Canada, further establishing the K-9 as a Western standard self-propelled howitzer. As Canada seeks to grow its presence in NATO European deployments, Hanwha stands ready to provide artillery solutions based on the K9 self-propelled howitzer, that are already in service with many NATO allies." said John Kelly, CEO and President of Hanwha Defense USA.
Canada is seeking to improve their roles and responsibilities in the European conflict areas as a member of NATO. Hanwha's reliable and proven solutions in the land systems and maritime would immediately make huge impacts on the enhancement of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The K9 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) is the most widely used SPH in the world due to its firepower, high mobility, and survivability. It can engage targets at a range of 40 kilometers with currently available conventional ammunition and has demonstrated a range of 50+ kilometers with new rocket assisted projectiles. Hanwha’s K9 has a track record of success in eight countries, including Poland, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. Australia and Egypt.
Hanwha Ocean stands ready to supply the world-class KSS-III Submarine for the CPSP. Unlike other contenders, the KSS-III meets Canada’s requirements for the program with reliable in-service status. The KSS-III's innovative propulsion system, featuring a sophisticated Lithium-ion battery and AIP system, redefines the possibilities of submerged operations, setting a new benchmark for conventional submarines. Since its deployment with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) in 2021, KSS-III has proven its real-world capabilities, thereby enhancing its credibility and reliability.
Korea and Canada announced a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' at their summit in 2022, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with the goal of fostering security cooperation as part of Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy. Since then, both nations have increased their defense cooperation, as seen by joint naval drills in the Korean peninsula's West Sea and Republic of Korea Navy port calls in Halifax, Canada.