South Korea plans to build nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s, citing North Korea as justification but signaling broader regional implications.

South Korea announced a plan to build nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s, stated as a counter to North Korea.

Nuclear-powered attack submarines would possess endurance, stealth, and operational reach to operate in regional waters and strategic chokepoints for extended periods.

Chinese strategists are likely to view the capability of these submarines—operated by a U.S. treaty ally—as extending beyond defensive purposes on the Korean Peninsula, according to analysts.