For decades, South Korea's submarines have had a major weakness: they must surface regularly. Powered by diesel and electricity, they can only stay underwater for a limited time before needing air. On May 26, the country announced plans to change this situation.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back revealed a road map to build South Korea's first nuclear-powered submarine, called the Jangbogo-N. Unlike traditional diesel-electric submarines, a nuclear submarine can remain underwater for weeks or even months without being detected.
The plan is ambitious. The submarine is expected to be launched in the mid-2030s and enter service by the late 2030s. Importantly, it will be built entirely in South Korea using Korean technology and shipyards. A similar attempt in 2003, called Project 362, failed, but officials are confident this time. The project is expected to create more than 40,000 jobs.
Why is South Korea building this submarine now? The answer lies in North Korea. North Korea has been developing submarines that can launch ballistic missiles from underwater, which are extremely difficult to detect and stop. South Korea's current submarines struggle to track this threat because they need to surface regularly.
The new submarine will use low-enriched uranium fuel, which operates for long periods without refueling. This choice sends a political message: South Korea remains committed to non-proliferation rules and will work with international nuclear agencies.
The program is being coordinated with the United States, reflecting their close defense partnership. South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung has described the submarine as a symbol of the country's commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula.