South Korea announced plans to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s as part of a new defense program designed to counter North Korea’s submarine-based nuclear and missile threats.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said the submarine would be developed and built domestically using low-enriched uranium fuel, while emphasizing that South Korea remains committed to not developing nuclear weapons.
The project will rely on South Korea’s nuclear, shipbuilding, and defense industries, with Seoul working closely with the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure compliance with non-proliferation rules.
According to the government, nuclear propulsion would allow the submarines to stay underwater much longer and operate with greater mobility compared to current South Korean submarines.