South Korea Maps Nuclear Submarine Deployment by Late 2030s as Lee Pushes Military Autonomy
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 26
South Korea Maps Nuclear Submarine Deployment by Late 2030s as Lee Pushes Military Autonomy
7 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 26
South Korea said it aims to field its first locally built nuclear-powered submarine by the late 2030s under a newly unveiled national roadmap.
The Defense Ministry called the plan the country’s first comprehensive blueprint for nuclear submarines, under a program named Jangbogo-N.
Domestic construction is central to the project, which would use low-enriched uranium fuel and involve coordination with the US and the IAEA on non-proliferation safeguards.
President Lee Jae Myung rolled out the initiative as he convened a new defense strategy council focused on strengthening South Korea’s military autonomy.
Is South Korea's nuclear submarine a secret path to becoming the world's next nuclear-armed state?
With US support for Seoul's plan, is the global treaty against nuclear weapons now meaningless?
South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Leap: U.S. Green Light, Regional Fallout, and the Jangbogo N Project’s Strategic Stakes
Overview
South Korea’s push for nuclear-powered submarines began with a high-level meeting between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump in Gyeongju. President Lee welcomed Trump warmly, and Trump recognized South Korea’s proactive alliance role and its need for advanced submarines. This led to an agreement for further talks, marking a major step toward U.S. support. South Korea then launched the Jangbogo N project, aiming to strengthen both its security and industrial capabilities. This initiative reflects a strategic leap, combining alliance cooperation with a focus on domestic development and long-term self-reliance.