South Korea pitches a $20 billion defense package to Canada, offering submarines, artillery, and economic incentives in a game-changing military partnership
At a Glance
- South Korea offers Canada $20–$24 billion in advanced military hardware
- Deal includes Arctic-ready KSS-III submarines, howitzers, and armored vehicles
- First four subs could arrive by 2035, ahead of Canada’s current schedule
- Proposal features local job creation and defense tech transfers
- Ottawa reconsiders reliance on traditional U.S. and European suppliers
South Korea’s Ambitious Offer
South Korea has presented Canada with a sweeping $20 billion military upgrade proposal that could reshape both nations’ strategic landscapes. The package, spearheaded by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, includes KSS-III submarines with air-independent propulsion, K9 self-propelled howitzers, and Redback armored vehicles. The submarines are tailored for Arctic operations—an area of growing geopolitical importance to Canada.
According to The Economic Times, South Korea’s pitch includes delivery of the first four submarines by 2035—faster than Canada’s timeline for replacing its aging Victoria-class fleet.
Watch Defense Report’s coverage of the proposal at South Korea Offers Canada Submarines, Artillery Worth $24 Billion.
Strategic Benefits Beyond Hardware
South Korea is positioning this as more than a transaction. “It’s not a one-time deal between two countries,” said Deputy Defense Minister Hyunki Cho. “We are going to try and strengthen the capabilities of Canada’s defense industry.” The agreement includes local maintenance facilities and technology transfer, creating jobs and long-term industry cooperation.
As reported by Breitbart News, the full value of the deal could reach $25 billion when factoring in domestic infrastructure investments.
This proposal echoes South Korea’s landmark defense deals with Poland, where it rapidly delivered tanks and artillery amid regional tensions. “Korea is now seen as a reliable, high-volume supplier,” said Seok Jong-gun, a senior defense official.
Why Ottawa Is Listening
Canadian defense leaders are signaling openness to diversifying away from traditional NATO suppliers. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defense Minister Bill Blair have praised the proposal’s speed and depth. The Canadian Armed Forces currently face what analysts call “serious operational readiness deficiencies,” according to Canadian Global Affairs Institute.
Dave Perry, the Institute’s President, said the South Koreans “have a track record at providing huge amounts of equipment in very short order,” adding that Canada must “look for options that can fulfill our needs quickly.”
A Strategic Shift in Defense Diplomacy
This proposal signals a potential pivot in Canada’s defense procurement philosophy—away from legacy vendors and toward strategic allies in the Indo-Pacific. For South Korea, the offer underscores its growing profile as a global defense exporter. For Canada, it may offer the quickest path to modern, interoperable military capacity.
Whether the deal is finalized or not, it clearly marks a new chapter in the Canada–South Korea partnership—one where economic, industrial, and military collaboration converge on a shared future of strategic readiness.
