Image credit: X / Bill Blair

BRIEFING NOTE

by Julie Kim

Summary

• Canada’s updated defence strategy, Our North, Strong and Free, identifies the Indo-Pacific as a key strategic region for Canada’s future security and prosperity.
• The Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, visited the Republic of Korea (ROK, South Korea) from September 8 to 12, 2024. During his visit, Minister Blair reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to maintaining security on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific.

Context

• Canada released its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) in November 2022. With growing security threats in the Indo-Pacific, Canada’s military presence in the region is increasing.
  • Through Operation HORIZON, Canada aims to increase engagements and military cooperation with allies. Canada also participates in multinational efforts to enforce UN sanctions against North Korea through Operation NEON.
  • Canada participates in international exercises, such as Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD, which involves the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigate HMCS Vancouver sailing alongside warships from the ROK, Japan, and the United States.
• In September 2022, Canada and South Korea elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Since then, the two countries have engaged in discussions and expressed mutual interests in further strengthening defence cooperation.
  • Canada and the ROK’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on arms industry and logistics cooperation in December 2022 and a 10-year MOU on defence research and development cooperation in January 2023.
  • Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) and DAPA held annual Joint Committee Meetings on Materiel Cooperation in May 2023 and January 2024.
  • In June 2024, DAPA signed the Defense Industry and Procurement Cooperation MOU with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).
• Bill Blair’s September 2024 visit to the ROK was his first visit as Minister of National Defence.
  • He visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel serving with the United Nations Command (UNC). He also attended a Defence Industry Engagement Showcase and met with the ROK’s new Minister of National Defense, Kim Yong-Hyun.
  • On September 10, Canada co-hosted the second UNC Member States’ Ministerial Meeting with the ROK and Minister Blair delivered keynote remarks.
  • Minister Blair participated at the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit on September 10 and delivered remarks at the Seoul Defence Dialogue on September 11.

Considerations

• In order to implement their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Canada and Korea recently released an Action Plan. It expands on the five pillars of the CSP and proposes joint initiatives, including strengthening security and defense partnerships under Pillar 2.
• During this September visit, Minister Blair and his counterpart Minister Kim displayed commitment to strengthening the two countries’ bilateral defence relationship and agreed to launch a High-Level Foreign and Defence Policy Dialogue and to hold Canada-ROK Army Staff Talks.
• There is interest in enhancing defence cooperation not only at the government level but also within the academic and industry sectors. At a roundtable co-hosted by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea on May 27, 2024, defence officials and industry professionals from companies like Hanwha, KAI, CAE, and Bombardier discussed ways to deepen the defence partnership between Canada and the ROK. The participants agreed that, with the launch of Indo-Pacific Strategies in both countries, Canada and the ROK now have the necessary policy framework and financial support from their respective governments to accelerate collaboration.
• South Korea is dedicated to boost their defence industry and exports, aiming to become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter by 2027. As such, South Korea’s defence industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by strong government support, competitive pricing, and faster delivery times.
• Canada needs to consider more innovative and cost-effective approaches to procurement. In particular, significant investments are being made in the RCN to replace its aging fleet of Victoria-class submarines.

Implications for Canada

• This visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate Canada as a valuable partner to one of its key Indo-Pacific allies, the Republic of Korea.
• Canada should continue to leverage its IPS and strengthen security cooperation with the ROK. Additionally, both countries will need to take more concrete steps to implement their CSP, starting with following through on the initiatives outlined in the Action Plan.
• The increasing military cooperation and the recent signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and North Korea pose a significant threat to the Korean Peninsula as well as global security. Together with the ROK and other allies, Canada needs to enhance efforts to counter threats from North Korea.
• There are many avenues and opportunities to deepen defence partnerships between Canada and South Korea by leveraging each other’s strengths and capabilities.
  • In July 2024, Minister Blair announced that Canada was launching the process to acquire up to 12 new submarines. The ROK has shown interest in this process and in a recent interview, the Minister of DAPA emphasized Korean industry’s advanced technology and experience in design and shipbuilding.
  • Canada has been investing heavily in AI and other emerging technologies in the defence sector, and DND published its first Artificial Intelligence Strategy in March 2024. Meanwhile, South Korea is seeking AI solutions in the detection and surveillance fields to cope with a decrease in troop numbers.
  • Other ways for potential collaboration include undertaking joint development projects, co-developing education and training programs, and personnel exchanges.