South Korea has announced plans to develop and launch its first domestically built nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s as part of efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities against growing threats from North Korea.
South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said on Tuesday that the new programme would focus on countering North Korea’s submarine-launched nuclear and missile capabilities.
According to Ahn, the submarine will be powered using low-enriched uranium fuel and will be designed and constructed entirely within South Korea.
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Seoul says programme will remain non-nuclear
The South Korean government stressed that the project would not violate its long-standing commitment against developing nuclear weapons.
AI Generated Officials said the programme would rely on the country’s advanced shipbuilding, defence manufacturing and civilian nuclear technology sectors while remaining within international non-proliferation frameworks.
Ahn stated that Seoul would coordinate closely with the United States during the process of securing low-enriched uranium fuel and would also cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure compliance with global nuclear regulations.
Strategic shift amid regional tensions
The move reflects South Korea’s growing focus on underwater military deterrence amid rising security tensions in the Korean Peninsula and wider Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines, nuclear-powered submarines can remain submerged for significantly longer periods without surfacing, giving them greater operational range, stealth and mobility.
South Korean officials believe the capability could play a major role in monitoring and responding to North Korea’s expanding underwater missile systems.
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The announcement also comes amid increasing regional military competition involving China, North Korea, Japan and the United States.
First launch targeted for mid-2030s
The government said the goal is to launch the first vessel sometime in the mid-2030s, though officials did not provide a detailed construction timeline or estimated programme cost.
South Korea currently operates one of Asia’s most advanced conventional submarine fleets, but a nuclear-powered platform would mark a major leap in the country’s naval capabilities.
Analysts say the project could significantly alter the strategic balance in Northeast Asia if completed successfully.
