South Korea Announces Nuclear Submarine Development Plan

South Korea has formally announced a plan to domestically develop and build its first nuclear-powered submarines, targeting the launch of an initial vessel in the mid-2030s and operational deployment by the late 2030s. The strategic initiative, designated the Jangbogo-N Project, was unveiled by the Ministry of National Defense during the inaugural meeting of the Future Defense Strategy Committee, convened by President Lee Jae-myung in Jinhae.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back presented the government's basic plan, which commits to using low-enriched uranium fuel sourced through cooperation with the United States. Officials emphasized the program will comply with international non-proliferation obligations, with Seoul pledging to establish a safeguards system in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The government reaffirmed that South Korea will neither possess nor develop nuclear weapons.

The stated rationale for the submarines centers on countering North Korea's expanding submarine-launched ballistic missile and underwater nuclear capabilities. Officials described the vessels as vital for achieving self-reliant defense, with the ability to remain submerged for...