(LEAD) Arms agency to accelerate development of nuclear-powered subs, AI-driven combat systems

South Korea is speeding up several military capabilities to build a more self-reliant defense. The package includes nuclear-powered submarines, AI-based combat systems, unmanned platforms, counter-drone networks, long-range artillery interceptors, advanced fighters, and military satellites. These tools matter because Seoul faces North Korean threats and seeks to assume wartime operational control from Washington.

A major example is the planned full-scale acquisition of combat uncrewed surface vessels and small attack drones. DAPA also wants integrated counter-drone systems and laser air-defense weapons for frontline border areas. Together, these systems could help detect, block, or defeat large numbers of inexpensive drones and other unmanned threats.

The submarine program aims to develop a nuclear propulsion system and a construction blueprint. Other priorities include the Gwanggaeto-III Batch-II Aegis destroyer, a second batch of F-35A fighters, AI missile semiconductors, physical AI robotics, jet engines, reconnaissance satellites, and communications networks. DAPA says development and acquisition will accelerate.

A nuclear-powered submarine is a submarine propelled by energy from a nuclear reactor. The reactor produces heat, which generates steam or electricity for the vessel’s propulsion and onboard systems. A conventional submarine generally uses diesel engines when surfaced or snorkeling and batteries when submerged. This distinction affects how long each vessel can remain underwater.

The key mechanism is the reactor’s ability to generate power without burning fuel with outside air. Diesel engines need air and cannot normally run deep underwater. Batteries supply silent underwater power but eventually run down and must be recharged. A nuclear reactor can keep producing energy for long periods while the submarine stays submerged.

The article says South Korea plans to develop a nuclear propulsion system for its Jang Bogo N program. Its submarines would use high-assay low-enriched uranium enriched below 20 percent. The first vessel is planned for construction in the mid-2030s and operational service in the late 2030s.

South Korea is believed to be seeking at least three nuclear-powered attack submarines under its Jang Bogo N program. Each is expected to displace about 8,000 tons. The program is intended to strengthen South Korea’s ability to deter regional threats, including threats from North Korea.

The planned schedule calls for constructing the first vessel in the mid-2030s. That submarine is expected to enter operational service by the late 2030s. The article says the military is targeting at least three vessels during that period, but it does not specify when every submarine in the planned group will become operational.

The program follows a bilateral summit agreement with the United States reached in October last year. DAPA says it will use existing organizations and capabilities to develop the nuclear propulsion system and create a blueprint for construction. The submarines would use high-assay low-enriched uranium below 20 percent enrichment.

South Korea’s planned capabilities could broaden how it responds to North Korean and regional threats. Nuclear-powered submarines could maintain underwater operations for extended periods, while AI systems and unmanned platforms could improve surveillance, targeting, and response speed. Counter-drone defenses could protect frontline areas from swarms of small unmanned aircraft.

The article gives concrete examples. DAPA plans combat uncrewed surface vessels, small attack drones, laser air-defense weapons, and integrated counter-drone systems. It is also accelerating long-range artillery interceptors for the Seoul region, plus Aegis destroyers and F-35A fighters. These capabilities would address different parts of a potential attack.

The broader effect would be a more layered and self-reliant defense posture. DAPA links the plans to North Korea’s evolving threats and South Korea’s effort to regain wartime operational control. Their actual effect will depend on successful development, testing, acquisition, integration, and deployment, which the article says are still underway.

Wartime operational control, or OPCON, is the authority to direct military forces during wartime. In the Korean Peninsula’s alliance structure, Washington currently holds wartime operational control of South Korean troops. South Korea is seeking to transfer that authority back to its own command before the Lee Jae Myung administration’s five-year term ends in 2030.

The article connects the transfer to stronger national capabilities. DAPA is accelerating submarines, missile defenses, Aegis destroyers, F-35A fighters, AI systems, unmanned platforms, and military networks. These assets are intended to help South Korea respond to North Korean threats while relying more heavily on its own forces and technology.

The effort also reflects changing alliance expectations. The article says the Lee government considers the initiatives timely amid the Donald Trump administration’s calls for U.S. allies to shoulder more of their own defense. Regaining OPCON would therefore carry operational and political significance, but the article does not state that the transfer is guaranteed by 2030.

Nuclear-powered submarines generally remain underwater longer because a nuclear reactor can produce energy continuously without outside air. The reactor does not need to burn fuel in the way a diesel engine does. This lets the submarine keep its propulsion, sensors, and onboard systems running while submerged for extended periods.

Conventional submarines usually use diesel engines when they can access air and batteries underwater. Batteries eventually lose charge and require recharging, often involving surfaced or snorkeling operations. A nuclear reactor avoids that routine limitation. It also provides sustained power for propulsion, allowing the submarine to travel long distances without regular stops for fuel or battery recovery.

These are general engineering differences, not specific performance figures from the article. South Korea’s planned submarines would use a nuclear propulsion system and low-enriched uranium fuel below 20 percent. The article links the program to deterring regional threats, but it does not provide exact endurance, range, speed, or reactor specifications.

Military deterrence is the effort to prevent an attack by convincing an opponent that aggression will fail or bring serious consequences. South Korea’s three-axis system combines defense, possible preemptive action, and retaliation. The goal is not simply to fight after an attack, but to reduce the likelihood that North Korea would launch one.

The article identifies the three parts. Korea Air and Missile Defense uses layered missile defenses, including long-range artillery interceptors. Kill Chain is the preemptive strike platform. The Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation System represents the retaliation element. The article says the artillery system is designed to counter simultaneous, swarming strikes against the wider Seoul region.

Advanced submarines would add another capability to this wider deterrence posture. Their planned nuclear propulsion could support persistent operations and complicate an adversary’s calculations, although the article does not formally place them inside the three-axis system. AI weapons, unmanned systems, fighters, destroyers, and satellites would further strengthen detection, defense, and response options.