South Korea plans to commission its first nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-2030s to counter North Korea

South Korea's Defense Minister An Kyu-bok said that South Korea plans to commission its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s to counter the threat of North Korea's submarine-launched nuclear weapons and missiles.

Reuters reported that An Guibab on Tuesday (May 26) outlined the basic plan for South Korea to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine. He said that this submarine would use low-enriched uranium fuel and would be developed and constructed in South Korea.

This plan will leverage South Korea's nuclear energy, shipbuilding and defense industries, while maintaining Seoul's commitment not to acquire or develop nuclear weapons.

An Guibor pointed out that South Korea will closely cooperate with the United States during the process of obtaining low-enriched uranium fuel to ensure the principle of non-proliferation, and will also cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. He added that South Korea's goal is to commission its first related submarine in the mid-2030s.

The South Korean government has stated that compared to the existing submarines, nuclear-powered propulsion will enable the new submarines to remain underwater for a longer period of time and possess greater maneuverability.