Canadian submarine choice and AUKUS limits

What might drive Canada's submarine decision, and how does that relate to AUKUS or uncrewed submarines?

The discussion prefers Korean boats on cost and capability but predicts a German choice on political grounds. Delivery, supplier support, and Canada's high-north mission complicate the decision.

Korean submarines are preferred on the cost and capability comparison presented, although a German selection is predicted on political grounds. Either design is expected to improve Canada's position, with a separate reservation about whether SSKs best fit its requirements. Existing German construction commitments are cited as a possible Korean delivery advantage. Germany's willingness to withhold support over how equipment is used is raised as a supplier risk, while Korea is described as not yet presenting that problem. That concern depends on whether future Canadian operations remain acceptable to the supplier. The AUKUS discussion also connects uncrewed submarine systems with stronger communications infrastructure, while Canadian participation is considered less likely than Japanese participation. Moving from four older refurbished submarines to twelve new boats would substantially increase operational capacity.