South Korea to Launch First Nuclear-Powered Submarines by Mid-2030s

The push comes after the United States gave South Korea its backing to build nuclear-powered submarines in October 2025.

South Korean KSS-III submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho docks at the home port of Canada's Pacific fleet following exercises, at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, on May 25, 2026. Chris Helgren/Reuters

South Korea aims to launch its first nuclear-powered submarines in the mid-2030s, part of the Asian country’s measures to counter aggression from North Korea.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said on May 26 at a defense strategy meeting that the project, called “Jang Bogo N,” will develop nuclear-powered vessels that will use low-enriched uranium of up to 20 percent for fuel, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.