Canada is interested in defense products of a South Korean company Hanwha Defense
1 February, 2024 K9 Thunder self-propelled gun manufactured by Hanwha Defense. Photo credits: Hanwha South Korea's 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). Militarnyi reported about this with reference to Hanwha Defence. During his visit, Perry visited production facilities of the Korean defense giant that is laying the groundwork for strategic expansion into the Canadian defense market.
Dr. Perry's visit to Korea included an emergency tour of the Hanwha Ocean research campus, shipyard, and Hanwha Aerospace manufacturing facilities.
Hanwha Aerospace office. Photo credits: Hanwha
In addition, he observed the production facilities where modern submarines of the KSS-III project are being built, as well as K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo MLRS.
It should be noted that Canada is currently considering purchasing KSS-III submarines from South Korea. In November 2023, Hanwha Ocean signed a memorandum of understanding with four Canadian companies that could be involved in the supply chain if the Korean boat wins. The submarine component of the Royal Canadian Navy consists of four used Upholder/Victoria diesel-electric submarines, which Canada received from the United Kingdom in 1998.
Dr. Perry noted that Hanwha has a wide range of defense equipment that can also be produced under license in Canada and improve the economic opportunities of both sides. In addition, the weapons he inspected fully meet the requirements of the Canadian Army and Navy.
The KSS-3 diesel-electric submarine during launching.
Photo credits: Hanwha
''Our KSS-III submarines, which operate primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, are the best choice for Canada," said Sung Kyun Jeong, Head of the international business division for naval ships in the Hanwha Ocean.
Canada is particularly interested in the KSS-3 project because of the use of the latest air-independent engines on Korean boats that are represented by lithium-ion batteries. This allows the boats of this project to stay underwater for a long time and recharge main batteries. In addition, Canada seeks to improve its role and responsibility in European conflict zones as a NATO member, which is why it is seeking to modernize its army with modern artillery systems.
One of the contenders for the purchase is the K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo MLRS. Both systems have received a lot of positive feedback from European users, which is why Canada prefers Hanwha products. This worldwide recognition has a positive impact on the company, which strives to create competitive defense equipment and modernize existing weapons.
As Militarnyi previously reported, South Korean armor manufacturer Hanwha Defense won a tender to supply its K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers to the Romanian army.