South Korea will domestically build its future nuclear-powered submarines, the defense minister announced Tuesday, with the first vessel expected to enter service in the mid-2030s.
The move is part of Seoul’s broader effort to strengthen deterrence against nuclear-armed North Korea and would place South Korea among the limited number of nations operating nuclear-powered submarines after securing US approval for access to restricted nuclear fuel.
For years, Seoul pursued nuclear-powered submarine capabilities to counter Pyongyang’s expanding military threats, but progress had been limited by a nuclear cooperation agreement with Washington.
In November, South Korean officials said the United States approved the submarine initiative under a broader security and trade arrangement, including permission for uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing.
Despite the approval, uncertainty remained over the construction location after former US President Donald Trump suggested the submarines would be built in the United States. South Korea has now confirmed the vessels will be produced domestically.
Seoul, which already operates civilian nuclear reactors, stated it would comply with all nuclear non-proliferation commitments during the acquisition, handling, and management of low-enriched uranium for the submarine program.
US nuclear submarine technology remains among Washington’s most closely protected military capabilities, with strict controls governing its transfer and use.
