South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced Tuesday that the nation plans to develop its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s as part of efforts to address submarine-launched nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
According to Ahn, the submarine will utilize low-enriched uranium fuel and will be constructed domestically within South Korea. The defense minister outlined South Korea’s fundamental strategy for obtaining nuclear-powered submarine capabilities.
The initiative will leverage South Korea’s existing nuclear technology, shipbuilding expertise, and defense manufacturing sectors, Ahn explained, while preserving Seoul’s pledge to avoid acquiring or developing nuclear weapons.
During the process of obtaining low-enriched uranium fuel, South Korea plans to collaborate closely with the United States to ensure non-proliferation standards are met and will also coordinate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to Ahn.
The defense minister confirmed that the timeline calls for deploying the first submarine by the mid-2030s.
Government officials have stated that nuclear propulsion technology would allow these new submarines to remain submerged for significantly longer periods and provide enhanced mobility compared to South Korea’s current submarine fleet.
