[Exclusive] Half of Nuclear Submarine Design Completed at Domestic Shipyard

ADD commissions research to domestic shipyard
Munmu the Great Research Institute established
Detailed design phase to begin in the second half of next year after Korea-US nuclear agreement

It has been confirmed that the South Korean government, which has paved the way for the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, is in the final stages of completing the basic design. This means that South Korea is finalizing the design of a submarine based on the premise of loading nuclear fuel with its own capabilities. Once the reactor to be installed in the submarine is selected, the project will move on to the detailed design phase. Defense Minister Shin Kyubeak previously stated, “We have accumulated over 30 years of technology and research, so I believe domestic construction is justified.” This remark is interpreted as a sign of confidence, given that half of the nuclear-powered submarine construction process has been completed.

According to multiple sources in the military and defense industry on November 6, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has commissioned a domestic shipbuilder to conduct design research for a nuclear-powered submarine. This company established the Munmu the Great Research Institute, composed of about 80 people including ADD personnel, shipyard employees, and Navy officials. The process of building a submarine requires conceptual design, basic design, detailed design, and construction of the first vessel. The Munmu the Great Research Institute has been signing annual research contracts and plans to complete the basic design by the first half of next year.

The South Korean government has stated that, aside from nuclear fuel, it possesses the necessary technological capabilities for the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines. This confirms that the project has reached a more concrete stage. Won Jongdae, Director General of Resource Management at the Ministry of National Defense, said at a Cabinet meeting presided over by President Lee Jaemyung at the Yongsan presidential office on November 4, “We are currently securing the essential core technologies needed for the nuclear-powered submarine, such as the reactor and weapons systems, and are conducting safety verification.”

In particular, the progress in design suggests that the possibility of domestic construction is being considered. As U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that nuclear-powered submarines would be built at the Philadelphia Shipyard in the United States, this issue is expected to become a point of discussion in future South Korea-U.S. talks.

To build a nuclear-powered submarine, facilities for radiation shielding, security and safety, and remote precision equipment for nuclear fuel installation and replacement must be in place. The required investment is much greater than for warship construction. When factoring in supply chain development and labor costs, the overall expense increases further.

Minister Shin also stated at the National Assembly Defense Committee's plenary session the previous day, in response to a question from Assemblyman Yoo Yongwon of the People Power Party, “Isn’t it appropriate to build nuclear-powered submarines domestically?” He answered, “Currently, the Philadelphia Shipyard is significantly lacking in technology, manpower, and facilities.”

Yonhap News

Officials also explained that domestic construction is advantageous in terms of securing fuel. If domestically produced 20% enriched uranium is used as fuel, only a written agreement between the two governments is required, simplifying the procedure and accelerating submarine construction. It is reported that the domestic shipbuilding industry has already completed the design of the reactor to be used in the nuclear-powered submarine.

A government official said, “It took the United Kingdom four years to build its first nuclear-powered submarine after receiving nuclear fuel and technology from the United States, but it took China 27 years to do so with its own technology.” The official added, “Since we have no experience building large submarines or small reactors, we need support through the Mutual Defense Agreement (MDA) with the United States.”