South Korea eyes first nuclear submarine by mid-2030s, but hurdles run deep

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is prioritizing the acquisition of the nation's first nuclear-powered submarines, aiming for their deployment by the mid-2030s. He views these submarines as crucial strategic assets for future defense capabilities and has urged accelerated efforts to secure them. However, analysts point to significant obstacles, including delays in consultations with the United States, international non-proliferation concerns, and budget pressures. Lee emphasized the need to speed up the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines alongside advancements in artificial intelligence and drone technologies.