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

Seoul's arms procurement agency announced plans to expedite the development of nuclear-powered submarines and advanced AI-driven combat systems, as part of efforts to enhance self-reliant defense capabilities. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) detailed this roadmap in a parliamentary report, amid growing concerns over North Korea's evolving military threats and the need to regain full operational control of troops from U.S. oversight.

The agency emphasized leveraging current organizations to design a nuclear propulsion system and blueprint construction for nuclear-powered submarines, with the first vessel expected in the mid-2030s and operational service by the late 2030s. Additionally, DAPA plans to procure unmanned combat systems, including surface vessels and small attack drones, along with counter-drone networks equipped with laser defenses.

Seoul aims to assume wartime operational control from Washington before the end of the current administration's term in 2030, positioning these advancements as timely responses to regional security challenges.