South Korea Moves To Develop First Nuclear-Powered Submarine By Mid-2030s

South Korea plans nuclear-powered submarine by mid-2030s to boost defence against North Korean underwater threats.

South Korea is planning to introduce its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s, as part of a new defence initiative designed to strengthen its response to North Korea’s growing underwater missile and submarine capabilities, officials said on Tuesday.

The government in Seoul says the programme is intended to place the country among a small group of nations operating nuclear-powered submarines, a development that could significantly alter the strategic balance in East Asia and heighten competition beneath the seas.

President Lee Jae Myung told a defence policy committee that the project reflects the country’s determination to safeguard stability on the Korean Peninsula, stressing that it will proceed in coordination with the South Korea–US alliance.

According to Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, the submarine will be powered using low-enriched uranium and constructed domestically, drawing on South Korea’s established expertise in nuclear technology, naval engineering, and defence manufacturing. He also emphasised that the country does not intend to pursue nuclear weapons as part of the programme.

The initiative will rely on cooperation with international safeguards, including oversight and guidance from the International Atomic Energy Agency, to ensure compliance with global non-proliferation standards. Seoul has also pledged to work closely with Washington during the process of securing fuel supplies.

The plan has sparked optimism in South Korea’s industrial sector, with expectations that it could create major opportunities for the country’s advanced manufacturing and maritime industries.

Officials say the first vessel is expected to be ready for launch in the mid-2030s. Once operational, nuclear propulsion would allow the submarine to remain submerged for far longer periods and operate with greater range and flexibility compared to existing diesel-powered models.

The announcement comes as strains on the Korean Peninsula remain high, with Seoul continuing to expand its defence capabilities in response to evolving regional security threats.