S. Korea Announces Plan to Build Its First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
The Defense Ministry unveiled the blueprint for the "Jangbogo N Project" as a cornerstone of a broader long-term strategy to counter North Korea's growing submarine-based nuclear and missile capabilities.
"We will work to launch the first nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-2030s and push ahead with development to enter operational service in the latter half of the 2030s or later," Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said during a defense strategy meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung at a naval base in Changwon, according to media.
The nuclear-powered vessels are expected to deliver a decisive edge over conventional diesel submarines, offering the ability to remain submerged for extended periods while operating with superior speed and mobility. Ahn confirmed the submarines will be fueled by low-enriched uranium of up to 20%.
The announcement builds on an agreement reached with the United States last year permitting closer cooperation on the project, including consultations on fuel sourcing and technical requirements. South Korea remains bound by its nuclear cooperation agreement with Washington and its commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which restrict the use of nuclear materials for military purposes.
"We will faithfully comply with its nonproliferation obligations throughout the entire process of securing and managing low-enriched uranium, the nuclear fuel required for the submarine's propulsion system, in close consultation with the United States," Ahn said.
The Defense Ministry said the submarines will be designed and constructed entirely within South Korea to guarantee operational independence and long-term reliability. Beyond its strategic value, the project is projected to generate more than 40,000 jobs while delivering a major boost to South Korea's shipbuilding, nuclear, and defense industries over the coming decades.
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