Latest news with #KSS-III
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Hanwha to showcase submarine, artillery systems at CANSEC 2025 in Canada
South Korea's Hanwha Group said Friday it will participate in CANSEC 2025, Canada's largest defense trade show, to showcase a comprehensive suite of advanced defense solutions aimed at strengthening Canada's sovereign capabilities. At the two-day exhibition to open in Ottawa on Wednesday, Hanwha plans to showcase its cutting-edge land and maritime systems, including the KSS-III submarine and the K9 self-propelled howitzer, as part of efforts to support Canada's defense modernization initiatives. As part of its bid for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, Hanwha Ocean has proposed the KSS-III submarine, equipped with both lithium-ion batteries and an air-independent propulsion system. The KSS-III can remain submerged for over three weeks and has an estimated range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. If the contract is awarded in 2026, Hanwha aims to deliver the first batch of submarines by 2032 and the remainder by 2035. The company also plans to establish a local In-Service Support center in Canada, providing long-term maintenance and upgrades. Hanwha Aerospace will also highlight its K9 155-millimeter self-propelled howitzer, currently in service in 10 countries. The system, which offers a 40-kilometer range and a maximum firing rate of eight rounds per minute, is being proposed for Canada's Indirect Fires Modernization program. "Hanwha is deeply committed to Canada's defense, offering global-leading technology with local production and support," said Michael Coulter, chief executive officer of Hanwha Global Defence. "Our 'Made with Canada, For Canada' approach is designed to generate jobs, enhance defense readiness and reinforce long-term strategic cooperation between the two countries." (Yonhap)
CBC
06-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
5 things to know about South Korea's military submarine pitch to Canada
Social Sharing A pair of South Korean shipyards — usually fierce competitors — have teamed up on a $20-billion to $24-billion proposal to sell Canada 12 of the country's latest submarines, known as the KSS-III. The pitch was made in a detailed, unsolicited proposal to the federal government, delivered in early March just ahead of the federal election. CBC News was recently granted exclusive access to both Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) as well as senior South Korean defence officials. Canada has asked shipyards worldwide for expressions of interest in building the country's new submarine fleet. Companies in Germany, Norway and Spain responded in addition to the South Koreans. However, Hanwha Ocean and HHI went a step further and submitted a highly detailed proposal that not only proposed the sale of the KSS-IIIs, but the establishment of specialized maintenance facilities on both coasts. Here are five things to know about the KSS-III and the South Korean proposal. Missile, torpedo capabilities The KS-III is a diesel-electric attack submarine, capable of firing torpedoes and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). It displaces about 3,600 tonnes. The South Korean Navy is planning to build nine of the boats in three batches. A total of three submarines have been launched and two have entered service. They have an estimated speed of about 12 knots on the surface and 20 knots while submerged, with a cruising range of 19,000 kilometres. CBC News saw the first two of the second batch of KSS-IIIs under construction at the Hanwha Ocean yard. Lithium-ion battery powered Rather than relying on traditional lead-acid batteries, the KS-III draws its power from lithium-ion batteries, which were developed by Samsung SDI. Hanwha Ocean officials in a background briefing claim the new batteries allow for greater cruising speed and longer submerged times. The company claims the boat can remain underwater for more than 21 days, which would be essential for Canada in the Arctic. Korea is only the second country in the world to power its subs with lithium-ion batteries. Japan was the first. Systems developed outside U.S. Hanwha Ocean officials say the combat-management system that controls the KS-III is all-Korean-designed — a key point given recent concerns expressed that the command-and-control system chosen for Canada's new frigates is made in the United States. They say Canada, should it purchase the submarine, would have a choice of integrating its own system, a foreign-purchased one or the existing Korean system. It could also purchase Korean-made torpedoes and missiles, rather than rely on United States or European weapons. WATCH | South Korea's pitch to Canada: South Korea wants to be Canada's new military supplier 2 days ago Duration 4:15 Highly automated Each of the KS-IIIs incorporate a high degree of automation and would operate with a standard crew size of 33 sailors. Although, there is room to embark as many as 50 crew members. There are three decks, which Hanwha Ocean officials emphasized would allow for mixed gender crews. The proposal submitted to Ottawa includes a detailed crew training plan that would see Canadian sailors given basic and tactical training in Korea while the boats are being constructed. The plan would be for a Canadian crew to sail the boat and be ready to conduct operations almost immediately. Delivery ahead of navy deadline The Royal Canadian Navy has set 2035 as the deadline for delivery of its first new submarine to replace the old Victoria class. Hanwha Ocean officials said Canada could have four submarines by that time, with the first one delivered between 2030 and 2032. The rest would follow every couple of years at intervals set by the Canadian government. The schedule is provided a contract is signed next year. The proposal also includes the notion of constructing one or two maintenance facilities in Canada — perhaps one on each coast. But that would be a decision of the Canadian government and the cost would be in addition to the $20-billion to $24-billion initial purchase of the boats. Hanwha Ocean officials said the deliveries would be on time and on budget with no surprises.
Morocco World
18-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Eyes Purchase of Korean Tanks, Submarines, and Air Defense Systems
Rabat – Morocco is exploring new opportunities in defense cooperation with South Korea, as economic ties between the two countries continue to grow, Arab Defense reported. During an official visit to Seoul, Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, expressed strong interest in advanced South Korean military systems, including the K2 Black Panther tank, the KSS-III submarine, and the Cheongung air defense system, according to the report. This visit comes shortly after Morocco signed a major railway deal with South Korean company Hyundai Rotem, worth around €1.5 billion. The agreement included the purchase of double-decker train units and has paved the way for deeper cooperation in other sectors, including defense. According to Korean media reports, Mezzour took a close look at several military systems produced by South Korean companies. He showed particular interest in the K2 Black Panther tank, a high-tech tank equipped with a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine. The minister also showed interest in the KSS-III submarine; added the report. The 3,000-ton submarine, developed and built entirely in South Korea, has been in service since 2018 and is being considered by countries like Canada and Poland to upgrade their naval fleets. Morocco is also reportedly eyeing the Cheongung (KM-SAM) air defense system, designed to intercept both fighter jets and ballistic missiles. Its improved version, Cheongung 2, has already been exported to several countries in the Middle East. While in Seoul, Mezzour held meetings with key South Korean government officials, including Kim Hee-sang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. The discussions focused on starting negotiations for an economic partnership agreement and creating a non-binding but structured framework to boost trade and investment between the two countries. Both sides agreed to work together more closely to face global economic challenges, such as supply chain disruptions and rising protectionism.
