South Korea has announced the launch of its first nuclear submarine by the mid-2030s.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek has announced that Seoul will commission its first nuclear submarine by the mid-2030s. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on May 26.

"The submarine will use low—enriched uranium fuel and will be developed and built in South Korea," the publication says.

The head of the South Korean defense Ministry said that the development and production of the future submarine will be carried out exclusively on the territory of the republic.

Ahn also clarified that Seoul will work closely with Washington to ensure uninterrupted supplies of nuclear fuel and with the IAEA on the control of the non-proliferation of radioactive elements.

Reuters reported in December 2025 that Seoul's plans to build the first nuclear-powered submarine could trigger an arms race in the Asia-Pacific region. The agency explained that South Korea's rapidly developing military program could irritate China and force Japan to develop similar equipment.