South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has taken a strategic step toward realizing a nuclear-powered submarine project by beginning work on a special legislative bill. Following U.S. support on fuel supply, the process has gained momentum, and the legal and administrative framework for the project is expected to be clarified in the first half of the year.
Strategic Research Initiative by the Ministry
Sources from the Ministry of National Defense stated that preparations are underway for a special legislative proposal that would support the construction and induction of nuclear-powered submarines into service. According to a report by Korea JoongAng Daily, the ministry has recently commissioned a dedicated research project for this purpose and aims to initiate the legislative process in the first half of 2026.
A ministry spokesperson noted that the existing Defense Acquisition Program Act and Nuclear Safety Act do not fully cover military nuclear procedures, emphasizing that a dedicated legal foundation is essential to define security, governance, and operational procedures for the nuclear submarine initiative.
Intergovernmental Coordination to Be Ensured
Given the project’s high cost and long-term planning requirements, the effort will go beyond merely establishing a legal framework. Once the draft law is enacted, plans call for the creation of a permanent intergovernmental task force responsible for overseeing the nuclear submarine program. This body would coordinate the project across government agencies and supervise compliance with nuclear safety standards.
Washington’s Support Accelerates the Process
South Korea’s efforts to develop a nuclear submarine capability are also receiving close support from the United States. A joint memorandum released at last year’s Korea–U.S. summit stated that Washington supports Seoul in the following critical areas:
- Uranium Enrichment: Securing processes necessary for submarine fuel.
- Spent Fuel Processing: Developing the capacity to reprocess spent nuclear fuel.
- Fuel Supply: Formal U.S. approval to provide nuclear submarine fuel.
This legislative initiative is seen as the most concrete step demonstrating South Korea’s determination to enhance regional deterrence and transition to nuclear energy in underwater defense technologies.
Source: C4Defence – Korea JoonAng Daily
