South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik expressed regret on the 7th via Facebook over Hanwha Ocean's loss in Canada's submarine acquisition project (CPSP), stating the outcome will serve as a milestone opening doors to other opportunities. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on the 6th (local time) at Halifax Naval Base that Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) was selected as the preferred bidder. Kang, who served as presidential special envoy during the bid process, said he respects Canada's decision made after comprehensive consideration of economic cooperation, security, and cost factors. The statement comes amid South Korea's efforts to expand its defense industry presence in Western markets, where NATO alliance structures present significant barriers to non-member suppliers.
Kang Hoon-sik Respects Canada's Decision After Direct Involvement as Special Envoy
Kang Hoon-sik stated in his Facebook post that he respects the Canadian government's choice, which was made after comprehensive consideration of various factors including economic and industrial cooperation, security, and cost. He acknowledged the disappointment, noting that as presidential special envoy he directly oversaw the project site and the South Korean defense industry team devoted all capabilities until the final stage. Kang described the bid competition as an opportunity to reconfirm the current position of South Korea's defense industry.
South Korean and German Submarines Evaluated as Comparable in Performance
Kang emphasized that local Canadian media and experts evaluated the performance and cooperation conditions proposed by South Korea and Germany as difficult to distinguish in superiority, describing them as equivalent. He noted that the Canadian government's decision came later than originally scheduled, deliberating until just before the NATO summit, demonstrating the difficulty of the choice. Kang stated that South Korea, which previously learned submarine technology from Germany, now stands shoulder to shoulder with the originating country and receives evaluations of equal or superior performance.
NATO Alliance Cited as Significant Factor in Canada's Selection Process
Kang acknowledged that technology alone cannot explain everything, stating that overcoming the thick wall of NATO, a strong military security alliance, was not easy. He referenced the historical weight of the security alliance and military interoperability built over more than 70 years. Kang assessed that the challenge clearly imprinted South Korean submarine technology and industrial competitiveness on the global market.
South Korea Pledges Continued Defense Industry Collaboration After CPSP Outcome
Kang stated the outcome will not be left merely as consolation that South Korea fought well despite losing. He pledged to supplement shortcomings and further strengthen advantages to create outstanding results in the next challenge. Kang expressed that the government and corporate partnership formed during the bid period will remain strong, and they will continue running together toward broader new markets without fatigue. He conveyed gratitude to government and corporate officials who participated in the bid competition.
FAQ
What did Kang Hoon-sik say about Hanwha Ocean's loss in Canada's submarine project?
Kang Hoon-sik stated on the 7th via Facebook that he respects Canada's decision to select Germany's TKMS over Hanwha Ocean as the preferred bidder for the CPSP, expressing regret while emphasizing the outcome will serve as a milestone opening doors to other opportunities.
Why did Canada select Germany's TKMS over South Korea's Hanwha Ocean?
Kang Hoon-sik cited the strong NATO military security alliance as a significant factor, noting the historical weight of security cooperation and military interoperability built over more than 70 years made it difficult to overcome, despite South Korean and German submarines being evaluated as comparable in performance by Canadian media and experts.
When did Canada announce the CPSP preferred bidder selection?
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection of Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems on the 6th (local time) at Halifax Naval Base in Nova Scotia.
