Changwon: South Korea aims to develop domestically built nuclear-powered attack submarines fueled by low-enriched uranium, with plans to launch the first vessel in the mid-2030s, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced. This marks a significant step in South Korea's defense strategy as the nation seeks to enhance its military capabilities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the announcement outlined the road map for the long-sought submarine program, which gained momentum after South Korea received U.S. consent during a summit between the two countries last October. Dubbed "Jang Bogo N," the project aims to develop and build nuclear-propelled submarines within South Korea, with operational service expected in the late 2030s. The defense strategy meeting, presided over by President Lee Jae Myung, took place at a naval base in Changwon, approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul.
Minister Ahn highlighted the strategic importance of nuclear-powered submarines, particularly in countering North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. He emphasized their ability to remain submerged for extended periods with enhanced mobility. The "N" in the project's name represents South Korea's aspirations for next-generation, nuclear-powered, and neo-technology-based submarines. The submarines are planned to use low-enriched uranium, enriched to less than 20 percent, as fuel.
The U.S. has approved its Asian ally's plans to build conventionally armed nuclear-propelled attack submarines, with this commitment formalized in a written summit agreement known as the joint fact sheet. The agreement includes Washington's commitment to collaborate with Seoul on advancing the submarine program, including avenues for sourcing fuel.
Ahn reassured that South Korea remains committed to international nonproliferation obligations through cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog. His remarks addressed concerns regarding the potential implications of the project on the country's nuclear ambitions. Ahn affirmed South Korea's adherence to nonproliferation obligations in securing and managing low-enriched uranium for the submarine's propulsion system, maintaining close consultation with the United States.
South Korea is prohibited from using nuclear material for military purposes under a bilateral nuclear energy pact with the United States and is bound by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear material for military use.