South Korea looking at possible building and operating nuclear-powered submarines

The ROKN's Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine could be the stepping stone for their future nuclear submarine design.

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) disclosed on 10 October 2019 that it is looking at the possibility of constructing and operating nuclear-powered submarines, and has already a task force headed by a commander-level official studying this option.

Korean media reported that ROKN Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Sim Seung Seob was quoted saying nuclear-powered submarines are the most effective in detecting and destroyiung North Korea’s ballistic missile submarines (SSBMs) as it is capable of carrying out operations underwater for a longer period of time compared to conventional powered submarines.

The ROKN was also quick to mention that the presence of such task force studying the nuclear submarine option does necessarily mean it would be pushed for its immediate approval.

South Korea currently has 10 conventional-powered submarines, far less than North Korea which has around 70, although South Korea’s submarines are modern and more capable than the mostly Cold War-era submarines of its northern rival.  

South Korea is also surrounded by nuclear powers like North Korea, Russia, and China, and fellow US-ally Japan. It is expected that these countries would be upset on a decision to have nuclear powered submarines.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Channel NewsAsia
[3] The Straits Times