South Korea plans to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s to counter North Korea’s submarine-launched threats, officials announced. This initiative aims to position South Korea among a select group of nations with nuclear submarines, potentially altering the security dynamics in Asia and escalating an underwater arms race.
President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that the submarine project symbolizes South Korea’s commitment to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, built on a strong alliance with the U.S. The submarine will utilize low-enriched uranium fuel and will be developed domestically, leveraging South Korea’s nuclear, shipbuilding, and defense industries while adhering to a non-nuclear weapons policy.
Shares of South Korean shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy surged following the announcement, reflecting the project’s significance. The government intends to collaborate closely with the U.S. to secure low-enriched uranium fuel and will engage with the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure non-proliferation.
The new submarines will enhance South Korea’s underwater capabilities, allowing for extended submerged operations and improved mobility compared to existing vessels.
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