Feb. 20 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's bid for Canada's next-generation submarine program has expanded beyond a defense competition into a broader contest over industrial investment, increasing pressure on Hyundai Motor Group to consider building a local production base.
The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, estimated at about 60 trillion won ($45 billion), is scheduled to receive final proposals by March 2, with a preferred bidder expected to be announced in May or June.
Industry officials said Germany has proposed an industrial package that goes beyond submarine technology transfer to include the possible establishment of an automobile production base in Canada. South Korea is also reviewing broader cooperation options that could include manufacturing investment.
The shift reflects Ottawa's emphasis on economic impact, job creation, cost and delivery timelines as key criteria in its defense procurement decisions, rather than submarine performance alone.
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