Seoul: South Korea has announced plans to build and launch its first nuclear powered submarine by the middle of the next decade, a move that signals a major expansion of the country’s naval strength amid rising tensions in the region.
The announcement was made by South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu back, who said the country aims to develop the submarine under a domestic project known as Jang Bogo N. The vessel is expected to be powered by low enriched uranium and is intended for conventional military operations rather than nuclear weapons use.
The project reflects South Korea’s growing concern over North Korea’s expanding missile and submarine programs, as well as broader security competition in East Asia. Officials in Seoul believe nuclear powered submarines would allow the country to improve long range surveillance, strengthen underwater operations, and respond more effectively to regional threats.
Unlike conventional diesel electric submarines, nuclear powered submarines can remain underwater for months without surfacing. This gives them greater stealth, endurance, and operational flexibility during military missions. Defence analysts say such capabilities are especially important as North Korea continues to develop submarine launched ballistic missiles and underwater strike systems.
South Korea has explored the idea of building nuclear powered submarines for many years, but earlier efforts faced obstacles because of international nuclear regulations and concerns over nuclear proliferation. The country’s civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States also limited its ability to pursue certain technologies.
However, momentum for the project increased after reports that United States President Donald J. Trump had approved closer cooperation with South Korea on the submarine plan during discussions with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Officials say the project would remain under international safeguards and would comply with rules set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
South Korean authorities have repeatedly stressed that the submarines are not connected to any effort to develop nuclear weapons. Instead, they describe the project as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national defence in response to growing military uncertainty in the region.
The announcement has drawn strong attention from neighbouring countries and defence experts around the world. Some analysts believe the development could reshape the balance of naval power in East Asia and increase military competition beneath regional waters.
China is expected to closely monitor the project, while experts say Japan may also face pressure to review its own defence posture if South Korea successfully deploys nuclear powered submarines in the future.
South Korea already has one of the world’s most advanced shipbuilding industries and has experience producing modern submarines. Companies such as Hanwha Ocean are expected to play an important role in the construction process. The country currently operates advanced conventional submarines, including the KSS III class equipped with ballistic missile launch capability.
The project also comes at a time when concerns are growing over closer military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Western and South Korean intelligence officials have warned that Pyongyang could be receiving technical support for its missile and submarine programs.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has frequently showcased what state media claims are advanced nuclear capable underwater systems, though outside experts remain uncertain about the true level of those capabilities.
If South Korea successfully completes the project, it would join a small group of countries that operate nuclear powered submarines, including the United States, Russia, China, France, India, and the United Kingdom. Australia is also pursuing similar capabilities under the AUKUS security partnership.
The submarine plan marks one of the most significant defence developments announced by South Korea in recent years and highlights the country’s determination to strengthen its military readiness in an increasingly tense regional environment.