Seoul: The defense ministry is advancing plans to propose a special law to facilitate the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, as South Korea secures fuel for these submarines with the agreement of the United States, officials announced on Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry has recently initiated a research project aimed at crafting this special law, with aspirations to commence legislative processes as soon as the first half of the year. The development of a nuclear-powered submarine involves substantial financial investment and extensive intergovernmental coordination, necessitating a legal basis to establish safety and management protocols for the utilization of nuclear power in submarines.

The proposed legislation is anticipated to pave the way for a dedicated government task force responsible for the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines. A ministry official emphasized the need for a special law to develop procedures and measures specifically tailored for the nuclear-powered submarine initiative, as existing legislation, such as the defense acquisition program act and the nuclear safety act, lacks relevant provisions.

The United States has expressed its support for South Korea's efforts to develop nuclear-powered submarines, including securing capabilities for uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. This approval was formalized in a joint fact sheet released last November following summit talks between South Korea and the United States.