South Korea establishes agencies to build 3 nuclear submarines, eyes deterrence against China

South Korea is establishing specialized agencies to spearhead its nuclear-powered submarine construction program, with the military planning to develop three 8,000-ton nuclear submarines. The Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration will create these new bodies to oversee the ambitious project.

The Ministry of National Defense will set up a "Nuclear-Powered Submarine Policy Planning Group" to coordinate policies and systems required for nuclear submarine construction. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration plans to expand its existing "Korean Submarine Project Group" into a "Nuclear-Powered Submarine Project Group." This expansion includes new "Nuclear-Powered Submarine Project Teams" and "Nuclear Power System Project Teams" to lead the design, construction, and development of core technologies like nuclear reactors.

The government is pursuing the "Jang Bogo-N Project," aiming for a prototype submarine using low-enriched uranium, with a target launch in the mid-2030s and deployment in the late 2030s. While specific parameters remain undisclosed, the military intends to develop three 8,000-ton nuclear submarines.

The United States has formally approved South Korea's plan. Last October, President Yoon Suk Yeol requested U.S. permission to acquire nuclear submarine fuel during a summit with then-President Donald Trump. The goal was to enhance tracking capabilities against North Korean and Chinese vessels and reduce the operational burden on U.S. forces. U.S. Navy officials have expressed hope that South Korea's nuclear submarines will serve as a deterrent against Chinese threats once completed.

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Once South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines are completed, Washington looks forward to Seoul using this capability to deter the Chinese threat.