South Korea drafts special law for nuclear submarine acquisition

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has taken a significant step towards acquiring nuclear-powered submarines by announcing the legislative preview of a special law. This move, aimed at establishing a dedicated legal framework for the nation's first nuclear submarine project, 'Project Changbogo N,' signals a determined push to bolster its naval capabilities.

“

Nuclear submarines are the first case in our country where weapon systems and atomic energy are combined. As matters spanning various laws, such as defense business and atomic energy safety management, must be comprehensively pursued, there are limitations in systematically regulating the entire project under the current legal system.

The proposed 'Special Act on the Acquisition, Operation, and Safety Management of Nuclear-Powered Submarines' addresses the unique challenges of integrating nuclear technology with military systems. The ministry highlighted that existing legal structures are insufficient to comprehensively govern such a complex undertaking, which involves both defense and nuclear safety regulations.

Key provisions within the draft legislation aim to streamline the acquisition process. These include exempting the project from mandatory feasibility studies typically required for major weapons systems, allowing for shortened research and development timelines, and enabling flexible contract terms. The bill also emphasizes a commitment to non-proliferation, explicitly stating the project will not be used for nuclear weapons development and will adhere to international treaties like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.

“

We are aiming to enact the special law on nuclear submarines within the year.

To ensure strategic oversight, the proposed law establishes a 'Nuclear-Powered Submarine Strategy Committee,' to be chaired by the Prime Minister. This committee will deliberate on crucial matters such as facility siting and funding. The Ministry of National Defense plans to formulate and implement a basic plan for nuclear submarines every ten years. The government's ambition is to deploy three 8,000-ton nuclear submarines, powered by low-enriched uranium (below 20% enrichment), by the late 2030s.

“

Nuclear weapons development, manufacturing, possession, or use shall not be the purpose, and acts that undermine the reliability of nuclear material diversion or non-proliferation systems shall not be performed.