South Korea unveils roadmap for first nuclear-powered submarine by mid-2030s

Seoul plans to launch its first boat in the mid-2030s and commission it in “the late 2030s,” the government proclaimed.

South Korea's plans to build nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s will spur a U.S.-allied network of advanced underwater capabilities near the first island chain, strengthening deterrence against potential adversaries such as China and North Korea, analysts say. The South Korean defence ministry this week announced its basic plans to build the country's first nuclear-powered submarine, giving its first detailed outline of the programme since U.S. President Donald Trump granted initial approval in October. According to the plan, South Korea will launch the first of the vessels by the mid-2030s and deliver them to the Republic of Korea Navy by the late 2030s. The submarines, which are expected to be in use for at least 30 years, will be powered by low-enriched uranium instead of high-enriched uranium that could be used to build nuclear weapons. However, in contrast to Trump's approval, which required the South Korean submarines to be built at Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Philadelphia, the plan said South Korea would develop and build the submarines within its own territory using the c

The South Korean government has announced plans to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines, with the first vessel to be operational by the mid-2030s, as part of an effort to strengthen its naval capabilities. Analysts point out that when taken with developments already under way or being considered by China, North Korea and Japan, it is clear that northeast […]...Keep on reading: South Korea pushes nuclear-powered submarine plan

South Korea's plans to build nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s will spur a U.S.-allied network of advanced underwater capabilities near the first island chain, strengthening deterrence against potential adversaries such as China and North Korea, analysts say. The South Korean defence ministry this week announced its basic plans to build the country's first nuclear-powered submarine, giving its first detailed outline of the programme since U.S. President Donald Trump granted initial approval in October. According to the plan, South Korea will launch the first of the vessels by the mid-2030s and deliver them to the Republic of Korea Navy by the late 2030s. The submarines, which are expected to be in use for at least 30 years, will be powered by low-enriched uranium instead of high-enriched uranium that could be used to build nuclear weapons. However, in contrast to Trump's approval, which required the South Korean submarines to be built at Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Philadelphia, the plan said South Korea would develop and build the submarines within its own territory using the c

South Korea’s plans to build nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s will spur a US-allied network of advanced underwater capabilities near the first island chain, strengthening deterrence against potential adversaries such as China and North Korea, analysts say. The South Korean defence ministry this week announced its basic plans to build the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine, giving its first detailed outline of the programme since US President Donald Trump granted initial...

South Korea’s drive to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarines is moving back up President Lee Jae Myung’s defence agenda, but analysts say delayed US consultations, non-proliferation concerns and budget pressures still stand in the way. Lee on Tuesday urged faster efforts to secure the submarines, describing them as core strategic assets for the country’s future defence capabilities. “We need to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and drone technologies, while speeding up...