South Korea moves up launch of nuclear submarine construction project to 2027

Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered submarines using domestic technology is set to move forward more quickly after the government waived a feasibility study that typically takes one to two years.

 The waiver clears the way to launch the project in 2027, produce the lead submarine in the mid-2030s and deploy the vessels in the latter half of that decade.

 Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that the basic implementation strategy for the Jang Bogo N project (also known as KSS-III Batch-III) had been reviewed and approved during the 179th meeting of the Defense Project Promotion Committee at the Ministry of National Defense on Friday.

Under Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Act, major defense projects are normally supposed to undergo feasibility studies before funding can be allocated and work can begin.

However, the nuclear submarine project was granted an exemption by the Ministry of Planning and Budget, as the law allows for projects requiring an exceptionally high level of security.

 The Jang Bogo N project aims to develop nuclear-powered submarines with greater underwater endurance, maneuverability and operational capabilities than conventional diesel-powered submarines. The government reportedly plans to build three such vessels in the 8,000-ton class.

 The contract for overall submarine systems integration, including hull development and construction, will be awarded through competitive bidding among domestic shipbuilders.

 Following preliminary research, DAPA concluded that Korean shipbuilders’ submarine design and construction expertise was advanced enough to justify competitive bidding rather than direct selection of the contractor.

 After issuing a tender for the project, the agency plans to select a contractor in the second half of 2027 and sign the final contract by the end of that year.

 DAPA said the government would directly develop certain components — including key missiles and the small modular reactor that will power the submarine — and supply them to the contractor responsible for systems integration.

 The agency said it would not disclose the total estimated cost at the basic strategy drafting stage because of the project’s sensitive nature.

 Planning and Budget Minister Park Hong-keun has previously said the nuclear submarine program could eventually cost around 28.9 trillion won, which is also thought to be DAPA’s rough estimate.

The concrete budget is expected to be determined following consultations with the Ministry of Planning and Budget early next year.

 DAPA said the nuclear-powered submarines would boost South Korea’s deterrence against security threats, including North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles. The submarines are also supposed to enhance independent defense capabilities by establishing an underwater “kill chain” — military jargon for assets capable of eliminating North Korean missile threats prior to launch.

In its meeting on Friday, the committee also approved a proposal to select a new model for the presidential helicopter.

 The chosen model is the S-92A Plus, manufactured by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of US defense contractor Lockheed Martin. Approximately 800 billion won will be spent on the new helicopter, which will offer improved capabilities, including greater range, over the current model.

 The new helicopter is scheduled to enter service in the next administration. The older model will be reassigned to other duties, including presidential security.