Might Canada Choose a KSS-III Batch-I Sized "DSME-3000" Without VLS?

Arising from SubMatts last future Canadian submarine article of June 19, 2026 was how much we still don't know.

Canada may be deciding next week or next month which of the two submarine types (built by TKMS and Hanwha Ocean) its going to chose. 

Even though a German/Norwegian TKMS Type 212CD has not even been launched there is more certainty about its design (particularly it not having a Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) and its displacement being (right sidebar) 2,500 tonnes (surfaced) and 2,800 tonnes (submerged). Also (right sidebar) are two torpedo tube launched missiles under consideration - being the likely Tomahawk sized anti-ship and land attack NSM-SL,^[20] and likely Harpoon sized - for anti-ship only 3SM Tyrfing^[21][22]

It is about the other contender, the already launched South Korean KSS-III Batch-Is or Batch-IIs that there is more uncertainty. This is because Canadian officials and the military leadership have not officially stated whether Canada wants VLS in the KSS-III. 

VLS may weigh up to 800 tonnes. So VLS or no VLS is an issue impacting the KSS-III's whole design, including every buoyancy and trim calculation.

Examples of information on VLS and displacement are many including:

RealClear Defense (RCD) on June 9, 2026: "While the South Korean domestic Batch-II variants displace roughly 3,600 tons, the variant proposed to the RCN is redesigned to approximately 2,800 tons to align with existing Canadian port infrastructure and maintenance realities...the Hanwha KSS-III is equipped with a Vertical Launch System (VLS)...For Canada, acquiring a VLS-equipped submarine fleet fundamentally alters its maritime doctrine...it also introduces a critical Vertical Launch capability that transforms the RCN’s submarines..."

An Uncertainty - Might Canada Choose a "DSME-3000" without VLS?

Complicating the KSS-III Batch-I or II picture are two never built "Export variants" of the KSS-III, that don't come with VLS. They are known as the DSME-2000 (2,000 tonnes) and DSME-3000 ("3,300 tonnes") (the KSS-III Batch-I is 3,305 tonnes (surfaced) and (DSME-3000 design is "83.5 meters" long)(KSS-III Batch-I is also "83.5 meters").

So if Canada picks a KSS-III it may be a Batch-I (with VLS) already operational or a same dimensions, but without VLS, DSME-3000 paper design. Having to haul 6 or 10 VLS containing missiles, other munitions or other stores may be seen as an encumbrance in the future Canadian submarine's standard mission profile.