South Korea to Launch an Indigenous Nuclear-Powered Submarine by the Mid to Late 2030s
Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea
2025-11-17
The Ministry of National Defense reports to the Cabinet meeting on significant progress in ROK-US nuclear fuel consultations, laying the groundwork for project implementation.
Construction is set to begin in the late 2020s using domestic technology.
A pan-government task force will be established to oversee strategic development.
US Secretary of Defense Hegseth reaffirms President Trump's approval during the joint press conference following the SCM.
Hegseth also pledges close cooperation between the US military and relevant agencies.
Key facts related to the nuclear-powered submarine discussed at the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM):
1. The approval for South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program by US President Donald Trump was reaffirmed.
2. US military authorities pledged to provide full support and collaborate closely with the Department of Energy.
3. The US government expressed willingness to cooperate across various sectors including surface vessels and warships.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, right, and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shake hands during the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Nov. 4.
The United States accepted South Korea's request to supply nuclear fuel for nuclear-powered submarine s during the recent ROK-US summit, and accordingly, the South Korean government projects that it will be able to launch a domestically developed nuclear-powered submarine by the mid to late 2030s.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who visited Korea to attend the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), expressed strong support for South Korea's plan to introduce nuclear-powered submarines.
At the 48th Cabinet Meeting held on November 4 at the Office of the President in Yongsan, Seoul, presided over by President Lee Jae-myung, Won Jong-dae, Director General for Resource Management at the Ministry of National Defense, reported that consultations between Korea and the United States regarding the securing of nuclear fuel—a critical condition for implementing the nuclear-powered submarine project—have made progress, and the necessary conditions are now in place.
Director Won stated, "Korea has already secured key technologies necessary to build nuclear-powered submarines, including nuclear reactors and weapon systems, and is currently conducting safety tests. Moreover, we possess world-class design and construction capabilities for conventional submarines."
Director Won predicted that by combining the core technologies and national capabilities secured so far, South Korea will be able to build a nuclear-powered submarine with its own technology. He added that if Korea secures nuclear fuel through consultations with the United States and begins construction in the late 2020s, the first domestically built nuclear-powered submarine could be launched by the mid to late 2030s.
At the Cabinet meeting, the government announced plans to establish a pan-governmental task force responsible for building a nuclear-powered submarine.
Director Won stated, "Building a nuclear-powered submarine is a large-scale strategic project that requires diplomatic coordination, technology verification, and the establishment of an industrial base. Therefore, it requires the creation of a systematic implementation framework." He further explained, "A work-level consultative body between ROK-US diplomatic and defense authorities will be established to conduct detailed consultations on the supply of nuclear fuel for submarines. Subsequently, a pan-governmental task force will be formed to implement the project as a national strategic initiative that harnesses the full capacity of the government." He added, "Since this is the first case of applying a nuclear reactor to a submarine, the establishment of an institutional base—including legislation related to safety regulations—will proceed concurrently."
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, at the joint press conference following the 57th SCM, reaffirmed, "I once again confirm that President Donald Trump approved South Korea's introduction of nuclear-powered submarines. Of course, our military will provide utmost support." He added, "In relation to this, we will maintain close cooperation with other related departments such as the State Department and the Department of Energy."
Momentum for South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program grew after President Lee Jae-myung formally asked President Donald Trump, during his opening remarks at the ROK-US summit in Gyeongju on October 29, to approve the supply of nuclear fuel for the project.
On October 30, the day following President Lee Jae-myung's request, President Donald Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social: "The ROK-US Alliance has never been stronger. Accordingly, I have approved South Korea's transition from outdated diesel submarines with limited maneuverability to building advanced nuclear-powered submarines—a significant first step forward."
By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >
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