South Korean Nuclear Submarine

[Brett Davidson]

Not much to report yet, but it's been simmering for a while and now a programme has been established, so we may as well have a dedicated thread.

https://www.twz.com/sea/south-korea-getting-nuclear-submarines-is-a-huge-deal

South Korea has confirmed plans to develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarines under the Jang Bogo N Project. These will put South Korea in an exclusive class of nations operating nuclear-powered subs, with currently only China, France, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States having them in active service. The move has larger implications than providing the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) with just more capable submarines.

Under its more hawkish Prime Minister, could Japan be far behind?

 

[Scott Kenny]

Well, if they're talking SSBNs, ROK is going to want 4 or 5 hulls and dual crews, but that will give you ~3 hulls at sea 24/7.

If they're talking SSNs, we can argue between single and dual crews. Single crew, you'll have 1 boat at sea and 2 in port. Dual crew means roughly 3 boats at sea for every 4 hulls.