South Korea has announced a new program to dramatically expand its naval capabilities through the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. This important step is part of a growing, undersea counter to North Korea’s rising menace. Moreover, it illustrates South Korea’s ambitions to run with the big dogs of advanced military asset nations. The plan really gathered steam when former US president Donald Trump granted South Korea’s request. This approval made it possible for South Korea to develop these vital capabilities.
The initiative emerges amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, marked by North Korea’s recent revelation of its own nuclear submarine. With this development, South Korea hopes to significantly enhance its submarine tracking capabilities. This joint action would strengthen its deterrent against threats from North Korea as well as by China. Obtaining nuclear-powered submarines would boost South Korea to the status of the seventh country in the world to field these high-tech vessels. It would join the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and India.
In October, South Korea marked a remarkable achievement in its naval development. They even recently launched their first 3,600-ton-class submarine, the Jang Yeongsil. Both the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and ROK military leaders have lauded its capabilities. They went so far as to dub it “the world’s best diesel submarine.” As noted by Admiral Kang Dong-gil, South Korea’s Chief of Naval Operations, a change from conventional diesel propulsion to nuclear power is no simple feat. It would take at least 10 years to complete this intricate process.
As of now, South Korea has no operational nuclear-powered submarines. Yet that expansive new acquisition plan still includes profound infrastructure development akin to sourcing and developing a new onboard nuclear reactor. Additionally, the US congressional approval and a Defense Department technical review are required before moving forward with the practical implementation of this project.
Adm. Philip Davidson noted that there are approximately 400 foreign submarines globally, with about 75% stationed in the Indo-Pacific region. Of these, 160 are reserved to China, Russia, and North Korea. This backdrop explains the motivation driving South Korea’s submarine push.
“For South Korea, this would be a game-changer countering North Korea’s undersea threat.” – Yu Jihoon
The possible collaboration with the Philadelphia shipyard in the US on this SSN project is particularly promising. It increases the risk of unwanted technology transfer. Sal Mercogliano, a former US Navy officer and shipping expert, called the plan to build these submarines in this dangerous place idiotic. It would lead to the loss of critical technological competencies.
Kim Dong-yeob– a leading defense expert in South Korea — reiterated that South Korea is indeed looking to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. He highlighted the need to safeguard complementary technologies and derive industrial advantages from domestic builds. This approach matches U.S. strategic goals more broadly and is indicative of the long-range threat posed by the region’s growing military capabilities.
Yet as South Korea implements its plans, it is already under pressure and threat of economic retaliation from China. According to Kim, “Whether we can withstand the potential economic retaliation from China needs to be analyzed.” And no one expressed these sentiments more fervently than Guo Jiakun. He emphasized that China expects that the ROK and the US will honor their nuclear non-proliferation obligations and contribute more to regional peace and stability.
The promise of South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program may be the spark that triggers a new arms race in an otherwise volatile region. Opponents contend that these kinds of developments can increase military competition between states who border each other. Kim articulated that “it is essentially declaring that South Korea would participate as the frontline spear and shield in the US-led China containment strategy.”
The technical factors of submarine operation are no less important. In short, each step in battery innovation could more than double submerged operational times, Yu Jihoon said.
“So, maybe a submarine that before could only keep submerged for three or four days, now maybe it’s more like 10 or 12 days.” – Yu Jihoon
South Korea is raising its stakes for this moonshot. There are hurdles to its success, like having the right technology in place and ensuring regional stability during a time of increased military preparedness.
