South Korea plans first nuclear-powered submarine by mid-2030s

South Korea is moving to develop its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s as Seoul ramps up efforts to counter growing underwater threats from North Korea.

The proposed programme, announced by South Korean officials on Tuesday, is part of a broader defence strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s naval capabilities amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

If completed, the project would place South Korea among a small group of countries operating nuclear-powered submarines, potentially reshaping the military balance in East Asia and intensifying underwater competition in the region.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told a defence policy committee that the initiative reflects the country’s commitment to maintaining security and stability on the peninsula. He added that the programme would be pursued in coordination with the South Korea-US alliance.

According to Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, the submarine will use low-enriched uranium for propulsion and will be built domestically using South Korea’s existing expertise in nuclear technology, shipbuilding and defence manufacturing.

The minister stressed that the programme is not linked to the development of nuclear weapons, as Seoul continues to maintain its non-proliferation commitments.

Officials said the initiative would operate under international safeguards, including oversight from the International Atomic Energy Agency, while the government also plans to work closely with the United States on securing fuel supplies and ensuring compliance with global regulations.

The announcement has already sparked optimism within South Korea’s industrial and maritime sectors, with expectations that the project could create new opportunities for advanced manufacturing, naval engineering and defence contractors.

Once operational, the nuclear-powered submarine would be capable of remaining underwater for significantly longer periods than diesel-powered submarines, while also offering greater operational range, speed and flexibility.

The move comes as South Korea continues expanding its military capabilities in response to North Korea’s evolving missile and submarine programmes, including recent developments involving submarine-launched ballistic missiles and tactical nuclear systems.

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