In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defence, and Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Steve Jeong, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Naval Ship Global Business at Hanwha Ocean, to discuss one of the most significant naval programs in Canada’s modern history — the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, is one of the world’s largest and most advanced shipbuilding facilities, where the company builds the cutting-edge KSS-III submarine — a next-generation platform designed to meet the demands of modern underwater operations. With over 31,000 employees and decades of experience constructing submarines, destroyers, and advanced naval vessels, Hanwha is positioning itself as a global partner of choice for Canada’s future submarine fleet.
Together, Coulter and Jeong explore:
- The advanced capabilities and Arctic readiness of the KSS-III submarine and its alignment with CPSP requirements.
- Hanwha’s delivery schedule and approach to in-service support for one of the largest conventional submarine orders in decades.
- The company’s industrial and economic plan for Canada, including domestic partnerships, job creation, and technology transfer.
- How Hanwha’s unsolicited proposal to the Government of Canada reflects its confidence, capacity, and long-term commitment to Canadian defence sovereignty.
Listeners will also gain insights into what life is like aboard the KSS-III — from advanced automation to improved habitability for submariners — and how Hanwha’s growing North American footprint, including its acquisition of Philly Shipyard, fits into a broader strategy to expand into global markets across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
Tune in to discover how Hanwha Ocean is not only ready to deliver submarines — but ready to help transform Canada’s underwater future.