Canada is considering purchasing new submarines from South Korea or Germany.

Defense partnership diversification strategy

The Canadian government is actively considering the possibility of purchasing new diesel-electric submarines from international manufacturers, with South Korea and Germany being the main contenders. The purchase decision is part of a broader strategy to "diversify defense partnerships" aimed at reducing reliance on traditional suppliers and strengthening cooperation with allies with advanced technology.

This approach reflects global changes in Canada's defense policy amid growing tensions in the Arctic and Atlantic.

Why Canada is looking for alternatives to traditional suppliers

For a long time, Canada relied on Western allies such as the United States and Britain for arms supplies. However, the need to modernize the outdated Victoria-class submarine fleet requires new solutions. The submarine replacement program has faced delays and rising costs, prompting the government to seek more flexible and technologically advanced options.

Choosing between South Korea and Germany allows Canada to evaluate offers in terms of cost, delivery time, technology level and transfer conditions.

South Korea and Germany — who offers more

South Korea is expected to receive an offer from Hanwha Ocean (formerly DSME), which offers upgraded KSS-III class submarines equipped with an AIP (air-independent power plant) system and vertical cruise missile launchers. These boats are already being supplied to Australia under the SSN-AUKUS program.

On the German side, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) with Type 212CD class submarines, which are being developed for Norway and Germany, is a likely supplier. These boats are also equipped with AIP, have a low acoustic footprint and high autonomy, which makes them ideal for patrolling in Arctic and coastal waters.

Unknown cost and timing of the project

The official estimated cost of the project has not been disclosed, due to the early stage of negotiations and the strategic nature of the purchase. However, we are talking about a multibillion-dollar deal that will become one of the largest in the history of the Canadian defense industry.

A decision on the final supplier is expected in the coming years, after the completion of the technical and strategic evaluation of both proposals.

China unveiled a new low-profile unmanned boat before the Victory Day parade

A new level of stealth in unmanned marine systems

On the eve of the Victory Day parade in China, as a result of information leaks, details of a new unmanned boat became known, demonstrating a significant technological step forward. The vessel has an improved design aimed at reducing radar, infrared and acoustic visibility, which makes it difficult to detect for modern tracking systems.

This focus on stealth indicates China's desire to bring its unmanned offshore platforms to a level comparable to the advanced developments of the world's leading powers.

Versatility and possible tasks of the boat

Analysts suggest that the new boat is designed to perform a wide range of tasks. Key functions may include:

• Long-term exploration and surveillance in coastal and remote areas
• Patrolling disputed territories, including the South China and East China Seas
• Electronic intelligence and communications suppression
• Potential use as a strike platform or false target

Their compact size and autonomy make it possible to use such boats as part of group operations, including as part of a swarm of drones capable of acting in a coordinated manner.

Development of autonomous PLA Navy forces

The appearance of this boat is part of a large—scale modernization program of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) Navy. Beijing is actively investing in autonomous and uninhabited maritime systems, seeking to compensate for the potential numerical superiority of the enemy through technological superiority and flexibility.

China has previously demonstrated unmanned underwater and surface vehicles, but the new boat is characterized by a more mature level of engineering and integration of stealth technologies.

Strategic importance for the Asia-Pacific regions

The deployment of low-profile unmanned boats enhances China's ability to control key shipping routes and disputed areas. Such platforms can be used to discreetly accumulate intelligence, demonstrate presence, or quickly respond to changes in the situation without risking the crew.

Their use in conditions of hybrid conflicts or a "gray zone" allows Beijing to act aggressively, maintaining a formal distance from open military provocations.

Sweden is exploring the possibility of purchasing French frigates to strengthen its presence in the Baltic Sea

In the context of growing military activity in the Baltic region and worsening geopolitical tensions, Sweden is considering the possibility of acquiring French defensive frigates to modernize and strengthen its fleet. This decision is related to the country's intention to increase the level of defense capability against the background of threats from Russia and to ensure stability within the framework of NATO and bilateral partnerships.

According to Swedish sources, modern frigates of the FREMM family (Front Line frigate for Multi-Mission), developed by the French shipyard Naval Group, are of interest. These ships are highly multifunctional and can be used in both anti-submarine, surface and air defense, which makes them ideally suited for the conditions of the Baltic Sea.

Sweden, despite its recent accession to NATO, continues to develop its own naval forces, striving for greater independence in ensuring regional security. The inclusion of French frigates in the Swedish fleet could be an important step in this direction, especially given the limited capabilities of the current fleet of ships.

The potential deal also opens up prospects for deepening military-technical cooperation between Paris and Stockholm, as well as strengthening European strategic sovereignty. The acquisition of frigates from France, as opposed to the purchase of American systems, is also in line with Sweden's policy of diversifying arms suppliers and reducing dependence on the United States.

A final decision on a possible purchase has not yet been made, but preliminary negotiations and a technical assessment of the ships have already begun. If the deal goes through, the new frigates will become a key element of the renewed Swedish Navy and will significantly change the balance of power in the Baltic Sea.

The UK will build up to 12 new nuclear submarines and invest £15 billion in nuclear weapons

 

The UK government will announce a major defense review that plans to build up to 12 new SSN-AUKUS class nuclear attack submarines. These conventional-armed submarines will replace seven existing Astute-class submarines from the late 2030s. The new submarines will become a key element of modernizing the Navy and strengthening the country's combat readiness in the face of growing threats, including Russian aggression.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will stress the need for the armed forces to be on high alert to effectively contain the growing security challenges. In addition, as part of the program, the UK will allocate about 15 billion pounds for the development and production of nuclear warheads, which will be the largest investment in nuclear weapons since the end of the Cold War.

Defense Secretary John Healy noted that the new submarines will be equipped with modern technologies, which will significantly increase their combat potential. In addition to the submarine fleet, the review also focuses on the development of cybersecurity, digital technologies and the expansion of arms production.

Japan begins construction of a fleet of patrol ships in the maritime zone to strengthen its defense capability

The new generation of OPV

The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced the start of construction of a fleet of 12 offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This is a historic event, as this is the first time that the JMSDF has commissioned ships of this type. Construction will be carried out at a record pace: the launching of the first and second ships is scheduled for November this year.

Why does Japan need OPVs?

The patrol ships of the maritime zone are designed to carry out tasks related to the protection of maritime borders, combating smuggling, illegal fishing and other threats in the exclusive economic zone of the country. For Japan, which is surrounded by seas and has a long coastline, these ships will become an important tool for ensuring security and protecting national interests.

The introduction of OPV into the JMSDF reflects Japan's changing maritime defense strategy. These ships are less heavily armed than traditional frigates or destroyers, but their mobility, economy, and versatility make them ideal for patrolling and maintaining order in coastal and remote areas.

Construction plans

The construction of 12 ships will be carried out as part of a large-scale modernization program of the Japanese Navy. The first two ships will be launched in November this year, which demonstrates the high pace of the project. This is especially important against the background of growing challenges in the region, including the intensification of China and other States in disputed maritime zones.

OPV Features

The new patrol ships will be equipped with modern surveillance, communications and threat management equipment. Their size and displacement allow them to operate both in coastal waters and in the open sea. At the same time, they are significantly cheaper to operate compared to large warships, which makes them an attractive solution for long-term patrol missions.

Strategic importance

The introduction of OPV into the JMSDF strengthens Japan's ability to defend its maritime borders and respond to potential threats. It is also part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country's defense capabilities in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. The new ships will help Japan coordinate more effectively with its allies, including the United States, and strengthen its influence in the region.

The future of Japan's maritime defense

The construction of the OPV fleet is just one of the steps in the framework of a large—scale modernization program of the Japanese armed forces. In the coming years, the country plans to increase defense spending and expand the capabilities of its naval forces. This will allow Japan to maintain stability in the region and face new challenges.

Italy offers Greece FREMM frigates: a step towards fleet modernization

Italy has officially notified Greece of the possible transfer of two FREMM—class multipurpose frigates, the Carlo Bergamini (F 590) and Virginio Fasan (F 591), after 2028. This proposal, which is being considered by the Greek Ministry of National Defense, is related to the large-scale modernization of the Italian Navy, where these ships will be replaced by new FREMM EVO frigates. 

*Carlo Bergamini* and *Virginio Fasan* are part of the first series of Italian FREMMS developed for anti-submarine and anti-aircraft operations. The first of them, *Carlo Bergamini*, was laid down in 2008 and transferred to the Italian Navy in 2013, and *Virginio Fasan* became the second ship of the series, which entered service in the same year. Both frigates are equipped with a SAAM fire control system and *Aster 15/30* missiles, which makes them effective in combating aircraft and surface targets.

The decision to redeploy the ships is linked to Italy's plans to build six improved FREMM EVO frigates by 2030.  These new units, being built at the Fincantieri shipyards, will replace outdated models, including the first FREMM, which will free up the Bergamini and Fasan for the allies.  For Greece, whose fleet needs to be upgraded, this is a chance to strengthen the grouping in the face of growing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.  

Negotiations between Rome and Athens are underway against the background of increased naval cooperation in the region. FREMM, capable of carrying up to 16 anti-ship missiles and carrying out anti-aircraft missile defense missions, can be a significant help for the Greek navy.  However, the details of the deal, including the cost and conditions of upgrading the ships, have not yet been disclosed.