South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (2-R) presides over a defense strategy committee meeting in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, 26 May 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
May 26 (Asia Today) -- The South Korean government said Tuesday it aims to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s and deploy the vessel to the Navy in the late 2030s.
The plan was presented during the first meeting of the Future Defense Strategy Committee in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province, attended by President Lee Jae-myung.
According to the government, South Korea plans to domestically develop and build the submarines to strengthen the independence and stability of its military procurement, maintenance and operational systems.
The submarines are expected to use low-enriched uranium fuel enriched below 20%, allowing for long operational cycles without frequent refueling.
