South Korea Unveils Historic Plan to Build First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
26th May 2026
The “Basic Plan for the Development of the Republic of Korea Nuclear-Powered Submarine” is the first document to present, both domestically and internationally, the direction for the Republic of Korea to systematically develop a nuclear-powered submarine. Its main contents are as follows.
Nuclear-powered submarines possess dramatically enhanced operational capabilities compared to existing diesel-powered submarines, including long-duration submerged endurance and high mobility. They will therefore play a key role in responding to North Korea’s submarine-based nuclear and missile threats.
The development of nuclear-powered submarines is not merely a warship construction project, but a national strategic project that requires the concentration of national capabilities based on the Republic of Korea’s technologies in the nuclear and shipbuilding sectors.