Hanwha Enhances Partnership with Canada, Unveils Cutting-Edge Defense Innovations to Leading Canadian Experts
SEOUL, South Korea _ Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Aerospace showcased their cutting-edge defense innovations to Dr. David Perry, President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI), during his visit to Hanwha facilities from January 23-24. The CGAI is acknowledged as Canada’s premier source of expertise in global matters, and Dr. Perry’s visit comes at a pivotal moment as Hanwha prepares for a strategic foray into the Canadian marketplace.
Dr. Perry’s journey to Korea included a comprehensive tour of Hanwha Ocean’s R&D center and shipbuilding yard, alongside Hanwha Aerospace’s manufacturing operations. Throughout the visit, Dr. Perry witnessed the remarkable maritime capabilities, such as the KSS-III Submarine and diverse artillery systems like the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and Chunmoo MRLS. These naval and terrestrial platforms will significantly advance the modernization efforts of the Canadian Army and Navy, offering timely and cost-efficient solutions to fulfill Canada’s operational requirements.
“Our KSS-III Submarines, primarily deployed in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, are the ideal selection for Canada.” stated Sung Kyun Jeong, Head of Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship International Business. “As the only company in Korea manufacturing submarines equipped with cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries and an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, Hanwha Ocean is dedicated to strengthening the robust strategic alliance between Korea and Canada.”
“An impressive track record positions Hanwha favorably for potential achievements in Canada, further establishing the K-9 as a Western-standard self-propelled howitzer. As Canada aims to enhance its presence in NATO European deployments, Hanwha is prepared to deliver artillery solutions based on the K9 self-propelled howitzer, which is already operational with numerous NATO allies.” remarked John Kelly, CEO and President of Hanwha Defense USA.
Canada is striving to enhance its roles and responsibilities in European conflict regions as a NATO member. Hanwha’s trustworthy and tested solutions in land systems and maritime operations would yield significant enhancements to the Canadian Armed Forces.
The K9 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) is recognized as the most widely utilized SPH globally due to its formidable firepower, excellent mobility, and survivability. It can engage targets at distances of 40 kilometers with currently available conventional munitions and has displayed capabilities of over 50 kilometers with advanced rocket-assisted projectiles. Hanwha’s K9 has a proven track record in eight countries, including Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, and Egypt.
Hanwha Ocean is poised to deliver the world-class KSS-III Submarine for the CPSP. Unlike other competitors, the KSS-III satisfies Canada’s needs for the program, possessing a dependable in-service status. The KSS-III’s groundbreaking propulsion system, featuring a specialized Lithium-ion battery and AIP system, redefines the scope of submerged operations, establishing a new standard for conventional submarines. Since its commissioning with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) in 2021, the KSS-III has demonstrated its real-world effectiveness, thereby enhancing its credibility and reliability.
Korea and Canada declared a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ during their summit in 2022, commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with the objective of promoting security collaboration as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Since then, both nations have enhanced their defense cooperation, as illustrated by joint naval exercises in the Korean Peninsula’s West Sea and Republic of Korea Navy port calls in Halifax, Canada.
