The first domestically-built Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) nuclear-powered submarine is scheduled to be in the water by the mid-2030s.
South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has just released details of the “Chang Bogo N Project” — its Nuclear-Powered Submarine Initiative.
As per a statement from Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-Back: “The objective of this project is to enhance operational endurance and survivability, thereby strengthening maritime security capabilities and achieving a higher level of deterrence, particularly in relation to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). It is entirely unrelated to the possession or use of nuclear weapons.”
The drive to develop conventionally armed but nuclear-powered boats is described as “a national strategic initiative” and will have four related elements: designing the submarine platform itself; developing its reactor and propulsion system; procuring onboard equipment; and establishing nuclear fuel handling support facilities.
As per the MoND’s official document, released this week, the new boat’s reactor will use low-enriched uranium and require either minimal or no fuel replacement.
The boats will be developed and constructed entirely within the Republic of Korea to ensure self-reliance and stability in acquisition, maintenance, and sustainment. South Korea has already designed and built its first domestically designed submarine, ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho, which is now in active service.
It has also recently launched ROKS Jang Yeong-sil, featuring a lithium-ion-based battery system for improved performance.
The report noted: “These experiences in submarine development and construction, along with accumulated technological expertise, provide a crucial foundation for the Republic of Korea to design and build submarines equipped with nuclear propulsion.”
The first ROKN nuclear-powered submarine is scheduled for launch in the mid-2030s, with a view to full operational deployment in the late 2030s.
- You can read more details on the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense website