Secret nuclear submarine project revealed; aiming for speed within Trump's term

South Korea has publicly announced its intention to construct its first nuclear-powered submarine, with a goal of launching it by the mid-2030s and deploying it in the navy by the late 2030s. The initiative, codenamed 'Project Jang Bogo-N,' signifies a major leap in the nation's defense capabilities.

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The nuclear submarine will play a key role in preparing for North Korea's submarine-based nuclear missile threats. It can monitor and track North Korean submarine forces more secretly and quickly than diesel submarines, greatly contributing to the implementation of a underwater kill chain.

Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek presented the basic plan for the nuclear submarine development at the first Future Defense Strategy Committee meeting, attended by President Lee Jae-myung. The project aims to integrate advanced technologies into a next-generation submarine, carrying forward the legacy of the first Korean submarine, Jang Bogo. Ahn emphasized that a nuclear submarine would be crucial for countering North Korea's submarine-based nuclear missile threats, offering superior stealth and speed for surveillance and tracking.

The government is reportedly considering building at least four nuclear submarines domestically. While the submarine platform and propulsion systems would be developed in South Korea, securing nuclear fuel will necessitate cooperation with the United States. This public disclosure of a project kept secret for 32 years is seen as a strategic move to alleviate U.S. concerns about nuclear proliferation and to solidify cooperation within the timeframe of a potential Donald Trump presidency.

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South Korea will not possess or develop any nuclear weapons in any form.

South Korea has reiterated its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, stating it will not possess or develop any nuclear weapons. The plan includes establishing a safeguards system for nuclear-powered submarines in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and adhering to high-level non-proliferation obligations. The country intends to use low-enriched uranium, below 20%, which cannot be weaponized. The government's proactive announcement of the basic plan is also viewed as an effort to accelerate the nuclear submarine project, especially given previous delays in follow-up negotiations with the U.S. after a summit agreement last October.

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South Korea will establish a safeguards system applicable to nuclear-powered submarines in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and fulfill high-level nuclear non-proliferation obligations.