South Korea plans to launch its first domestically built nuclear-powered attack submarine by the mid-2030s [1].
The move represents a significant escalation in the region's naval arms race. By developing long-endurance underwater capabilities, Seoul seeks to counter the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear-armed submarine program.
A South Korean defence minister said the government is targeting the mid-2030s, approximately 2035, for the initial launch [1]. Following the launch, the vessel is expected to be deployed to the navy in the late-2030s, with a projected timeframe between 2038 and 2039 [1].
Nuclear-powered submarines provide a distinct tactical advantage over conventional diesel-electric models. They can remain submerged for much longer periods, making them harder to detect and allowing them to operate far from home ports for extended durations.
This strategic shift focuses on strengthening deterrence. The South Korean government aims to create a more robust underwater defense posture to monitor, and neutralize, threats from the north [4, 5].
The development of such a vessel involves complex engineering and nuclear propulsion technology. By building the submarine domestically, South Korea intends to reduce reliance on foreign military technology and establish a self-sufficient naval industry.
The program marks a transition toward more aggressive deterrence strategies. While the country has previously relied on conventional submarines, the shift to nuclear power allows for a persistent presence in contested waters, which is a necessity for countering advanced missile-launching submarines.
“South Korea plans to launch its first domestically built nuclear-powered attack submarine by the mid-2030s.”
The pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines signals South Korea's transition from a purely defensive coastal posture to a more proactive regional deterrence strategy. Because nuclear submarines can stay submerged indefinitely compared to diesel variants, this capability significantly narrows the gap between South Korean naval power and the strategic ambitions of North Korea, while potentially complicating the geopolitical balance in East Asia.
