How will South Korean nuclear submarines alter underwater balance near first island chain?
South Korea is moving forward with plans to develop and build its first nuclear-powered submarines, aiming for a mid-2030s launch and late-2030s delivery. These vessels, intended for a 30-year service life, will utilize low-enriched uranium and be constructed domestically using South Korea's advanced nuclear energy and shipbuilding technologies. Analysts suggest this development will bolster the US alliance system in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing regional deterrence against China and North Korea. AI
