Canada Submarine Bid Loss... Lee: "Disappointment Will Fuel Greater Competitiveness; Government Will Provide Full Support"

President Lee: "We Have Demonstrated Our Capabilities to the International Community"


"Every Challenge Comes with Disappointments... We Will Advance Submarine Technology and Strengthen Export Support"


Kang Hoon-sik: "The Wall of NATO

On July 7, President Lee Jae-myung commented on Hanwha Ocean's failure to secure the preferred bidder status for Canada's next-generation submarine project (CPSP) after losing out to Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), saying, "Although we did not achieve the result we had hoped for, we have once again clearly demonstrated our capabilities to the international community."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Mega Project Public-Private Joint Inspection Meeting held at the Blue House on July 6, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

On the same day, President Lee posted a message on Facebook titled "The Bold Challenge of K-Defense Continues," stating, "Our submarines have proven their excellent performance and technological prowess by competing with the world's leading submarine powers." He added, "Although the Canadian government selected Germany's TKMS as the preferred bidder for the CPSP on July 6 (local time), our efforts have been significant." The CPSP is a large-scale project to introduce up to 12 diesel submarines to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines.

President Lee also expressed his gratitude to those working in Korea's defense industry ahead of "Defense Industry Day" on July 8. He said, "July 8 marks Defense Industry Day, established to commemorate the first deployment of the Turtle Ship in actual combat," and added, "I extend my deepest gratitude and respect to all those who have elevated Korea's defense industry to a world-class level and raised the global stature of K-Defense."

He went on to assess that the defense industry has grown into a key pillar of national competitiveness. President Lee stated, "Korea's defense industry has become a new growth engine attracting global attention and is now a core industry for national competitiveness," emphasizing, "These achievements are the result of the collective efforts of countless researchers, technical experts, entrepreneurs, and our service members, who have worked hard together."

President Lee further commented, "Challenges bring both successes and disappointments," adding, "What matters most is to keep moving forward steadily without stopping." He continued, "I am confident that today's experience will become a valuable foundation for further advancing our technology and enhancing our competitiveness."

He also pledged further government support. President Lee promised, "Korea will continue to take on bold challenges," and added, "From research and development to export support and strengthening international cooperation, the government will do everything possible to ensure that our submarines will one day protect the peace and security of the world's oceans."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the mega project public-private joint inspection meeting held at the Blue House on July 6, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier on the same day, Kang Hoon-sik, policy chief at the Presidential Office, also posted on Facebook, stating, "It is true that we are deeply disappointed," but added, "This was also an opportunity to reaffirm the current status of Korea's defense industry." Kang mentioned his role as a special presidential envoy and his direct involvement on the ground in Canada, saying, "We will objectively review the process in which the government and companies worked together as one team."

Kang especially pointed out, "This outcome also demonstrates the reality that not everything can be explained by technological capability alone," noting, "It was indeed difficult to break through the strong military and security alliance wall of NATO, which has existed since 1949." He added, "We will not leave this result as mere consolation for 'fighting well despite defeat.' We will make up for shortcomings, further strengthen our advantages, and ensure that we achieve outstanding results in the next challenge."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.