CCC signs strategic cooperation agreement with Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)
Ottawa, CANADA – CCC is proud to announce that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of the Republic of Korea. Recognizing that space and maritime domains are now a decisive and strategic frontier in global security, DAPA and CCC expressed their intent to pursue a structured initiative on next-generation commercial space systems, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications, as well as maritime platforms.
DAPA is a government agency of the Republic of Korea responsible for the overall management of defence research and development, acquisition, procurement, and defence industry promotion. It manages programs in areas such as aerospace, naval systems, and advanced technologies, and plays a key role in international defence cooperation.
The letter of intent was signed by CCC’s President and CEO Bobby Kwon and Korea’s Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration Seok Jong-gun, and witnessed by Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu. The letter builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Industry and Procurement Cooperation that CCC and DAPA signed in 2024, to deepen bilateral collaboration between Canada and the Republic of Korea across emerging domains that underpin national defence, technological innovation, and allied security.
Korea is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner, and the sixth largest import and export partner. Together, the MoU and LOI will enable CCC to bring Canadian companies with solutions that meet Korea’s needs. To learn more, contact CCC.
Quotes
“This new agreement between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration reflects the shared commitment of Canada and the Republic of Korea to drive innovation in space and maritime technologies—sectors that are critical to both our economic future and our national security. It also underscores Canada’s efforts to expand trade opportunities in fast-growing, high-tech industries. By connecting Canadian companies directly with Korea’s defence and innovation priorities, we are strengthening commercial ties, opening new markets for Canadian businesses, and deepening our strategic partnership. This is trade diversification in action—powered by innovation, security, and long-term collaboration.”
Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade.
“Through this Letter of Intent, DAPA strengthens the strategic partnership between the Republic of Korea and Canada in advancing defence innovation. We look forward to working closely with CCC to explore joint initiatives in space and maritime domains that contribute to regional and global security.”
Seok Jong-gun, Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
“This Letter of Intent marks a significant step forward in Canada–Korea defence collaboration. By aligning our strengths in space and maritime technologies, we are opening new pathways for innovation and strategic cooperation.”
Bobby Kwon, President and CEO of CCC.
Facts
This Letter of Intent (LOI) does not create legal obligations or binding commitments for either Party. It reflects the mutual understanding and goodwill of DAPA and CCC to explore potential areas of collaboration in the spirit of partnership and trust.
There is a big push for Space-related cooperation right now. This government has decided to latch onto space as a high-value industry (not that I'm complaining) so expect more of these kinds of agreements to come out in the next year or so.
The agreement to be signed with Sweden later this month will also include Space Cooperation as a core area of further discussions. This was already confirmed when Joly visited Sweden over the summer. Although I expect more details to come of it once that signing takes place.
Take note that LEO networks are also mentioned specifically. There is already heavy Korean interest in Telesats Lightspeed network set to start launching next year, with Hanwha and the Korean government actively looking to engage with them as a possible partner on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
Telesat has already signed an agreement with Space Norway as well to add Lightspeed to its capacity pool, so either way Telesat is winning here. We don't have details on the Korean side of how this ties to CPSP, or if this is related to other offsets but we will keep monitoring.
In terms of joint maritime platforms, perhaps the RCN should use this partnership for a joint Canadian-Korean platform for the Continental Defence Corvette to replace the Kingstpn class ships.
Also, should the partnership be expanded to aerospace projects, maybe Canada can also invest and take part in KAI's MC-X transport aircraft program to replace the RCAF's C-130 fleet, just like how the Koreans are using the KAI MC-X to replace their C-130s as well as how the UAE signed a MoU with the South Korean government to co-develop the KAI MC-X transport plane 🇨🇦🇰🇷