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TEHRAN: South Korea will independently build its first fleet of nuclear-powered submarines on domestic soil, with plans targeting an initial vessel launch by the mid-2030s, the nation’s Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday.

Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back disclosed the highly anticipated military timeline during a strategy meeting alongside President Lee Jae Myung, adding that the lead submarine is slated to enter full active operations in the late 2030s. 

The sovereign production push follows a pivotal security agreement in which Seoul secured official authorization from Washington to acquire low-enriched uranium fuel, bypassing restrictions that had previously stalled its naval ambitions.

While earlier remarks from the U.S. suggested the capital ships might be manufactured in American shipyards, South Korea's leadership finalized its stance to build the hulls locally using indigenous technology. 

President Lee affirmed that the nuclear submarine fleet stands as a definitive symbol of South Korea taking sovereign responsibility for long-term peace and stability across the Korean Peninsula.

Addressing global non-proliferation concerns, defense officials reiterated that South Korea will strictly adhere to international safeguards and will not pursue nuclear weaponry, relying solely on low-enriched uranium to propel its defensive naval assets.