South Korea Establishes Dedicated Units to Accelerate Nuclear Submarine Development

South Korea is accelerating its pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines with significant organizational overhauls in its defense sector. The Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) are establishing dedicated units to spearhead this ambitious project.

The Ministry of National Defense will establish a "Nuclear-Powered Submarine Policy Planning Group" directly under the Vice Minister. This group will be responsible for formulating policies and systems for acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and laying the groundwork for nuclear fuel utilization through legislation and international consultations. It will also include new roles for policy communication, international cooperation, and defense nuclear safety.

DAPA, meanwhile, will transform its "Korean-type Submarine Project Group" into the "Nuclear-Powered Submarine Project Group." This expanded unit will feature new teams focused on the entire design and construction process of nuclear-powered submarines, including the development of core technologies like the nuclear reactor.

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Based on this organizational reinforcement, we will pursue the development of nuclear-powered submarines at a rapid pace.

In parallel, the defense ministry is bolstering its oversight of military intelligence agencies. A new "Information Security Policy Officer" will be established under the Vice Minister to supervise agencies like the Defense Counterintelligence Agency. This move centralizes policy-making functions for information, security, and counterintelligence, aiming to enhance democratic control and ensure agencies focus on their core missions.

These organizational reforms, set to take effect on the 14th, underscore South Korea's commitment to rapidly advancing its nuclear submarine capabilities and strengthening its defense posture.

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We will also effectively promote major defense policies, such as strengthening democratic control over military intelligence agencies and creating an environment where each agency can focus on its original mission.