Government Plans First Nuclear Submarine Built Domestically by Mid-2030s Using Low-Enriched Uranium

South Korea has unveiled its ambitious plan to launch its first domestically designed and built nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) by the mid-2030s. This significant move, revealed during the first Future Strategy Defense Council meeting, aims to enhance the nation's self-reliant defense capabilities and bolster its burgeoning defense industry.

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The nuclear-powered submarine, to be built on the solid foundation of the Korea-U.S. alliance, will be a symbol of our will to take responsibility for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula ourselves. Furthermore, it will greatly contribute to strengthening the capabilities of the Republic of Korea's defense industry.

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized that the SSN, built on the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance, symbolizes the nation's commitment to independently securing peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. He also highlighted its potential to significantly contribute to strengthening South Korea's defense industry prowess. This initiative follows an agreement reached between President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump during their summit in Washington last October, where the U.S. approved South Korea's pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine and pledged close cooperation on fuel procurement and other requirements.

The Ministry of National Defense, after seven months of preparation, officially announced the 'Basic Plan for Nuclear-Powered Submarine Development,' codenamed 'Project Jang Bogo-N.' This designation signifies the next generation ('N') of submarines, succeeding the nation's first submarine, Jang Bogo-ho, incorporating nuclear propulsion ('Nuclear powered') and advanced new technologies ('Neo technology').

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The United States has approved South Korea's construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. The United States will work closely with South Korea, including on fuel procurement, to advance the requirements of this shipbuilding project.

To address international concerns about nuclear proliferation, the planned SSN will utilize low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. The design will also focus on 'long-cycle operation,' minimizing the need for frequent fuel replacements. The government stressed its unwavering commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, assuring that South Korea will not possess or develop nuclear weapons in any form. Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyu-baek stated that Seoul will diligently fulfill its non-proliferation obligations in securing and managing LEU in close communication with the U.S.

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The Republic of Korea adheres to the firm principle of not possessing or developing nuclear weapons. We maintain a resolute stance of not possessing any form of nuclear weapons and not developing them.

South Korea also plans to establish a transparent management and supervision system for nuclear materials used in the SSN, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). All radioactive waste will be managed strictly according to safety standards in licensed facilities. While former President Trump had previously suggested building the submarine at a U.S. shipyard, the South Korean government has firmly decided on domestic construction, underscoring its commitment to indigenous defense capabilities.

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The Republic of Korea will diligently fulfill its non-proliferation obligations throughout the entire process of securing and managing low-enriched uranium in close communication with the United States.