South Korea Announces Historic Plan to Build Nuclear-Powered Submarines
On May 26, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense unveiled the 'Basic Plan for the Development of the Republic of Korea Nuclear-Powered Submarine,' initiating the Jangbogo-N Project to build its first nuclear-powered submarine. The plan emphasizes domestic development, low-enriched uranium use, and life-cycle management, targeting a mid-2030s launch. It aims to counter North Korean submarine-based nuclear threats, create over 40,000 jobs, and boost industrial competitiveness. South Korea reaffirmed non-proliferation commitments, including IAEA safeguards and U.S. cooperation, following U.S. approval in October 2025.
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South Korea officially launches nuclear-powered submarine program with Jang Bogo-N project
South Korea has officially declared a national strategic roadmap to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), announcing the 'Basic Plan for the Development of South Korean Nuclear-Propelled Submarines' on May 26, 2026. The Jang Bogo-N project aims to launch the first boat in the mid-2030s and commission it in the late 2030s. The Republic of Korea Navy requires four SSNs displacing approximately 8,000 tons, similar in size to the US Virginia class. Senior researcher Kim Jae Yeop cited four reasons: countering North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missile threats, deepening US cooperation akin to AUKUS, boosting international status, and providing an alternative to nuclear armament. The submarines will be indigenously built using low-enriched uranium and long-cycle reactors, creating over 40,000 jobs. Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries saw stock gains following the announcement. Seoul will work with the US on uranium supply and nonproliferation compliance.
Defense NewsSouth Korea officially launches nuclear-powered submarine program with Jang Bogo-N project
South Korea has officially declared a national strategic roadmap to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), announcing the 'Basic Plan for the Development of South Korean Nuclear-Propelled Submarines' on May 26. Dubbed the Jang Bogo-N project, Seoul plans to launch its first boat in the mid-2030s and commission it in the late 2030s. The Republic of Korea Navy previously declared a need for four SSNs, likely displacing some 8,000 tons. Senior researcher Kim Jae Yeop cited four reasons: countering North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missile threats, deepening cooperation with the US, boosting Korea's international status, and providing an alternative to nuclear armaments. The emphasis is on domestic construction, with predictions of 40,000+ jobs created. The submarines will use low-enriched uranium and long-cycle reactors, with Seoul working with the US to secure uranium supply. Shares in local shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose following the announcement.
Defense NewsSouth Korea Officially Announces Nuclear-Powered Submarine Development Plan
South Korea has officially declared a national strategic roadmap to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), announcing the 'Basic Plan for the Development of South Korean Nuclear-Propelled Submarines' on May 26, 2026. The Jang Bogo-N project aims to launch the first boat in the mid-2030s and commission it in the late 2030s. The Republic of Korea Navy previously stated a need for four SSNs, likely displacing around 8,000 tons. Key drivers include countering North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missile threats, enhancing cooperation with the US under the AUKUS framework, boosting international status, and providing an alternative to nuclear armament. The submarines will use low-enriched uranium and long-cycle reactors, with indigenous construction expected to create over 40,000 jobs. Seoul will work with the US on uranium supply and nonproliferation compliance.
Defense NewsSouth Korea Announces Plan to Build Nuclear-Powered Submarines to Deter North Korea
The South Korean government, in consultation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has announced a plan to build nuclear-powered submarines under the project name 'Jang Bogo N.' Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-bak stated the goal is to complete the first unit by the mid-2030s. The project is framed as a 40-year national industrial development effort, with the submarines offering long-term submergence and high maneuverability to counter North Korean nuclear and missile threats. The Ministry of National Defense estimates North Korea possesses approximately 150 nuclear warheads. The plan requires US consent under Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which restricts South Korea's uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing. Washington's 'green light' would allow work to proceed without terminating the bilateral agreement. The project is designed to comply with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Defence24.comSouth Korea Announces Plan to Build Nuclear-Powered Submarines to Deter North Korea
South Korea has announced a plan to build nuclear-powered submarines, named 'Jang Bogo N,' as a response to the growing nuclear and missile threat from North Korea, which is estimated to possess approximately 150 nuclear warheads. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-bak stated the goal is to complete the first unit by the mid-2030s, with the project spanning about 40 years including construction and operation. The submarines will offer long-term submergence and high maneuverability, providing breakthrough capabilities over diesel-powered vessels. The project will be conducted in consultation with the IAEA and requires US consent under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, which restricts Seoul's enrichment and reprocessing activities. Washington's 'green light' is expected to allow work to proceed without terminating the bilateral agreement.
Defence24.comSouth Korea Announces Plan to Build Nuclear-Powered Submarines to Counter North Korea
South Korea has announced a plan to build nuclear-powered submarines, named 'Jang Bogo N,' to more effectively deter North Korea. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-bak stated the first unit is targeted for completion by the mid-2030s, with the project spanning approximately 40 years including construction and operation. The submarines will offer long-term submergence and high maneuverability, key for countering North Korean nuclear and missile threats. The project involves consultation with the IAEA and requires US consent under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, which restricts Seoul's uranium enrichment and reprocessing. Washington's 'green light' does not terminate the bilateral agreement but allows work to proceed. South Korea's Ministry of Defense estimates North Korea possesses around 150 nuclear warheads.
Defence24.comSouth Korea Getting Nuclear Submarines Is A Huge Deal
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has confirmed plans to develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarines under the Jang Bogo N Project, placing the country in an exclusive group of nations operating such vessels. The MND published a Basic Plan outlining that the submarines will offer dramatically enhanced operational capabilities, including unlimited range and higher mobility, and will play a core role in responding to North Korea's submarine-launched nuclear threats. The program, which follows U.S. President Donald Trump's approval in October 2025, is expected to take up to 10 years for construction with over 30 years of service. While the MND emphasizes sovereign development and local industrial participation, Trump suggested some boats could be built in the United States. The move has broader implications for South Korea's naval power and potential future sea-based nuclear deterrent options.
The War ZoneSouth Korea Getting Nuclear Submarines Is A Huge Deal
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has confirmed plans to develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarines under the Jang Bogo N Project, placing the country in an exclusive group of nations operating such vessels, currently including China, France, India, Russia, the UK, and the US. The MND published a Basic Plan outlining the program, emphasizing dramatically enhanced operational capabilities, unlimited range, higher mobility, and a core role in responding to North Korean submarine-launched nuclear threats. The program was approved by U.S. President Donald Trump in October 2025. Construction is expected to take up to 10 years, with boats operating for over 30 years. The move has broader implications for South Korea's naval power and potential future sea-based nuclear deterrent options, though the MND stressed transparency and nuclear non-proliferation obligations. The number of hulls and precise timeline remain unclear.
The War ZoneSouth Korea Getting Nuclear Submarines Is A Huge Deal
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has confirmed plans to develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarines under the Jang Bogo N Project, marking a major advancement in the country's naval capabilities. The nuclear-powered subs will offer dramatically enhanced operational capabilities compared to existing diesel submarines, including unlimited range, higher mobility, and faster underwater transit. The MND states the submarines will play a core role in responding to threats such as North Korea's submarine-launched nuclear and missile threats. The program received U.S. approval from President Donald Trump in October 2025, who also suggested some boats could be built in the United States. Construction is expected to take up to 10 years, with each boat operating for over 30 years. South Korea joins an exclusive club of nations operating nuclear-powered submarines, currently including China, France, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The move has broader implications for regional security and potential future sea-based nuclear deterrent options.
The War ZoneSouth Korea Unveils Historic Plan to Build First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
On May 26, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense announced the 'Basic Plan for the Development of the Republic of Korea Nuclear-Powered Submarine,' a historic first document outlining the country's systematic approach to building a nuclear-powered submarine. The plan emphasizes five principles: using low-enriched uranium for long-cycle reactor operation, domestic development and construction, leveraging civilian nuclear and shipbuilding technologies, life-cycle management, and targeting a mid-2030s launch with service entry after the late 2030s. South Korea also made three non-proliferation commitments: no nuclear weapons development, close cooperation with the US on fuel management, and establishment of an IAEA safeguards system. The project, named 'Jangbogo-N,' is framed as a national strategic industrial project expected to create over 40,000 jobs and strengthen regional competitiveness, primarily to counter North Korea's submarine-based nuclear and missile threats.
Naval NewsSouth Korea Unveils Historic Plan to Build First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
On May 26, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense announced the 'Basic Plan for the Development of the Republic of Korea Nuclear-Powered Submarine,' a historic initiative to build the country's first nuclear-powered submarine. The plan outlines five key principles: using low-enriched uranium for long-cycle reactor operation; domestic development and construction; leveraging civilian nuclear and shipbuilding expertise; life-cycle management; and targeting a mid-2030s launch with commissioning after the late 2030s. South Korea also made three non-proliferation commitments: no nuclear weapons development; close cooperation with the US on fuel management; and establishing an IAEA safeguards system. The project, named 'Jangbogo-N Project,' is expected to create over 40,000 jobs and strengthen national defense against North Korean submarine-based threats, while boosting industrial competitiveness across shipbuilding, nuclear, and defense sectors.
Naval NewsSouth Korea Unveils Historic Plan to Build First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
On May 26, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense announced the 'Basic Plan for the Development of the Republic of Korea Nuclear-Powered Submarine,' marking the first official document outlining the country's systematic approach to building a nuclear-powered submarine. The plan emphasizes enhanced operational capabilities to counter North Korea's submarine-based nuclear and missile threats. Key principles include using low-enriched uranium, domestic development and construction, leveraging civilian nuclear and shipbuilding technologies, and a life-cycle management approach. The first submarine is targeted for launch in the mid-2030s and commissioning after the late 2030s. South Korea reaffirmed its non-proliferation commitments, including no nuclear weapons development, close cooperation with the U.S. on nuclear fuel, and IAEA safeguards. The project, named 'Jangbogo-N,' is expected to create over 40,000 jobs and span more than 40 years.
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