A South Korean submarine docked at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on Saturday to participate in joint anti-submarine exercises.

The visit serves as a critical demonstration of naval capabilities as Canada prepares for a multibillion-dollar [2] procurement decision to replace its aging submarine fleet. South Korea is competing against other international bidders to supply up to 12 submarines [1] for the Royal Canadian Navy.

The vessel, ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, was built by Hanwha Ocean. It arrived in Victoria, British Columbia, after completing a trans-Pacific voyage covering 14,000 kilometres [4]. The crossing was completed on May 8, 2026 [5].

With a displacement of 3,000 tons [3], the submarine is designed to showcase both endurance and technological sophistication. The joint exercises allow Canadian naval officials to evaluate the vessel's performance in real-world conditions, a key factor in the upcoming procurement process.

The presence of the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho in British Columbia marks a high-profile effort by Seoul to secure the contract. This strategic deployment highlights the submarine's ability to operate far from its home ports, demonstrating the range and reliability required for Canadian patrols in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Officials from the Royal Canadian Navy and the South Korean crew are coordinating the anti-submarine drills. These maneuvers focus on detecting and tracking underwater threats, providing a practical test of the hardware and crew integration that would define a long-term partnership between the two nations.

“South Korea is competing against other international bidders to supply up to 12 submarines.”

This deployment is a strategic marketing effort by South Korea to prove its domestic naval industry can compete with established European shipbuilders. By successfully navigating 14,000 kilometres to reach Canada, South Korea is attempting to eliminate concerns regarding the endurance and reliability of its 3,000-ton class submarines before Canada commits to a multibillion-dollar fleet expansion.