On August 18, 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered the defense ministry to accelerate the development of the Jangbogo-N nuclear-powered attack submarine while confirming plans to complete the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) during his term. The decision aims to establish long-endurance, independent undersea tracking capabilities against regional missile threats and expand Seoul's tactical contribution to the U.S. alliance. The move builds on the May 2026 formal project launch following a bilateral consensus reached with Washington to allow low-enriched uranium propulsion. Read full defense news at this link...
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| The Jangbogo-N represents South Korea’s first transition from a conventionally powered submarine force to an independent nuclear-powered attack submarine capability able to continuously track North Korean and Chinese operations across the Western Pacific. (Picture source: South Korean MoD) |