South Korea Publishes Plan for Nuclear-Powered Submarines

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense released a document on May 26, 2026, titled the Basic Plan for the Development of Nuclear-Powered Submarines in the Republic of Korea. The plan outlines development of a new class of nuclear-powered submarines under the Jang Bogo N Project.

The ministry stated the vessels will deliver “dramatically enhanced operational capabilities” compared with the Republic of Korea Navy’s existing diesel-electric submarines. It added that the submarines will provide “higher mobility” and “functionally unlimited range,” and will play a core role in responding to North Korea’s submarine-launched nuclear and missile threats.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s October 29, 2025, statement on Truth Social that he had approved South Korea’s request to build nuclear-powered submarines. S. construction of the boats. It stresses sovereign development and local industrial participation.

The ministry said construction of the first boats could take up to 10 years, after which each vessel would be operated for more than 30 years. It did not specify how many submarines are planned. The Republic of Korea Navy currently operates 12 Jang Bogo-class, nine Sohn Won-yil-class, and three Dosan Ahn Changho-class diesel-electric submarines.

Last year it launched the first of three planned Jang Yeongsil-class (KSS-III Batch II) boats. “The Republic of Korea will transparently and firmly fulfill its nuclear non-proliferation obligations based on the trust of the international community,” the ministry stated.

Korea has discussed nuclear-powered submarines since at least 2003. The new plan comes as North Korea expands its nuclear arsenal and submarine-launched missile capabilities, and as China continues to grow its submarine force. The ministry noted that South Korea already develops civilian nuclear reactors and is working on small modular reactors. S.

approval for any enrichment or reprocessing of nuclear fuel.