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 However, the need to modernize the outdated Victoria-class submarine fleet requires new solutions.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.

Without cover: the British Navy was left without protective submarines for the first time

This week, the British Royal Navy found itself in a delicate situation — it has no submarines left on combat duty at all. After the HMS Anson nuclear attack submarine returned to its base in Scotland last Friday, not a single submarine remained at sea to protect surface ships.

This means that now the British warships patrolling the seas do not have their own underwater cover. And in modern realities, when threats can appear not only from the air or from land, but also from the depths of the ocean, this is a serious failure. Especially considering the activity of Russian submarines in the Atlantic and the North Sea.

One former senior defense official bluntly called what was happening a "disgrace" and "chaos." According to him, the fleet, which should be ready for action 365 days a year, is currently unable to provide even a minimal presence underwater.

The problem is the reduced number of boats, lengthy repairs and technical delays. The UK currently has only seven Astute-class attack submarines, and keeping at least one at sea is constantly becoming more difficult.

So while the navy is proud of its new ships and aircraft carriers, there is nothing underwater. And this, as they say, is not the best place for British defense.

The United States used the Aegis naval missile defense system for the first time against Iran's missiles

On the night of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the American Aegis missile defense system installed on a ship off the coast of Israel was used in combat for the first time. The system was used to intercept missiles fired by Iran at Israeli territory. This event marked an important milestone in the history of the use of naval missile defense systems and highlighted the growing role of the navy in ensuring regional security.

According to sources, a US Navy ship equipped with Aegis radar and located in the waters near the Israeli coast was involved in repelling a massive missile strike. During the operation, the system detected and escorted several ballistic targets, after which an attempt was made to intercept them. Although the exact results of the operation have not yet been disclosed, experts note the strategic importance of such an application of the system.

Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System — one of the most advanced in the world. Installed on U.S. Navy destroyers and cruisers, it is designed to detect, track, and destroy ballistic missiles at various stages of flight. Its mobility and integration with other missile defense systems make it a key element of the US global missile defense.

This first combat use of Aegis highlights the increased tension in the region and demonstrates the willingness of the United States to participate directly in the confrontation between Israel and Iran. At the same time, it raises questions about the further escalation of the conflict and the possible response from Tehran and its allies.

The event is also becoming an important test for future technologies, both in terms of the effectiveness of intercepting hypersonic and ballistic targets, and in the context of coordination between various air and missile defense systems. It is expected that the data from this incident will be thoroughly analyzed to improve tactics and techniques in real combat.

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.

Taiwan's Endeavour Manta unmanned boat: a step towards technological sovereignty

  

 Endeavor Manta

Taiwan has unveiled its first combat unmanned boat Endeavor Manta, developed based on the experience of Ukrainian naval drones, which are actively used in the combat zone. This project, which started in 2024, marks the beginning of a new era in the Taiwanese defense industry, although progress in the creation of unmanned ships has remained relatively slow up to this point.  

The Endeavor Manta, designed by CSBC Corporation, is 8.6 meters long, 3.7 meters wide and has a displacement of over five tons when fully loaded. . The case is made of reinforced composite materials, which provides resistance to damage. The boat is capable of carrying more than a ton of combat load, including missiles and drones, and its maximum speed reaches 64.82 km/h. 

The development of Endeavor Manta was a response to the growing threats in the region. According to experts, the boat's design is partially borrowed from Ukrainian naval drones, which have proven themselves in real combat. This underscores Taiwan's commitment to adapt cutting-edge technologies to protect its interests.  

Despite the progress, the angular design of the boat, according to analysts, can reduce its speed and seaworthiness. However, the successful launch of the project demonstrates Taiwan's determination to strengthen its defense, especially in the face of tensions with China.