Jinhae: 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 Tuesday. The announcement comes as Seoul accelerates its push for the submarine project following U.S. consent during a summit between the two countries' leaders last October.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the project, named "Jang Bogo N," aspires to develop and build the nuclear-propelled submarines within South Korea, targeting operational service entry after the late 2030s. Ahn detailed the roadmap for this long-sought program during a defense strategy meeting, which was presided over by President Lee Jae Myung at a naval base in Jinhae, approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul.

The initiative marks a significant step in South Korea's defense strategy as the country seeks to enhance its naval 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," Ahn stated, underscoring the government's commitment to advancing this strategic defense project.