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South Korea to Build First Domestic Nuclear Submarines by 2035

6/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

South Korea will build its first nuclear-powered submarines with low-enriched uranium in domestic shipyards, breaking the U.S. foreign-construction requirement.
The defence ministry aims to launch the first submarine by the mid-2030s and finish fleet delivery by the late 2030s.
U.S. President Donald Trump gave initial program approval in October.
Analysts say the submarines will boost deterrence against China and North Korea and last at least three decades.

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Story summary

South Korea will build its first nuclear-powered submarines with low-enriched uranium in domestic shipyards, breaking the U.S. foreign-construction requirement.
The defence ministry aims to launch the first submarine by the mid-2030s and finish fleet delivery by the late 2030s.
U.S. President Donald Trump gave initial program approval in October.
Analysts say the submarines will boost deterrence against China and North Korea and last at least three decades.