South Korea advances nuclear submarine programme

South Korea has approved the basic acquisition strategy for Jangbogo N, a programme to develop a domestically designed nuclear-powered attack submarine. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the decision on 9 November 2026, after a committee meeting on 6 November, and said development work would begin in 2027. The project, also designated KSS-III Batch III, is intended to give the navy greater submerged endurance than its existing diesel-electric boats. The Ministry of National Defence outlined the programme in May, with domestic shipbuilding and nuclear engineering expected to support the boats throughout their service lives.