Quick Take
Seoul Building Legal Framework for SSN Program
What happened
On February 10, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced it has commissioned a research project for an eventual special legislation for South Korea’s nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program. MND attributed the special legislation to the absence of local regulations that address unique aspects of SSNs, such as reactors and nuclear fuel. The legislative process is expected to begin sometime during H1 2026.
Based on revelations so far, this special legislation sounds somewhat similar to the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Bill 2023 which is explained in a paper published by the country’s Department of Defense, titled, Discussion Paper: The legal and regulatory framework to support Naval Nuclear Power Safety.
Why it matters
Existing laws regulate nuclear energy only for civilian use, leaving military applications without a clear legal basis. In turn, existing laws cannot adequately cover the safety regulation, safeguards, security, and radioactive material management required for naval nuclear propulsion.
Beyond regulatory gaps, MND frames the SSN program as a long-term national strategic project requiring sustained, large-scale budgetary commitments. A special law would provide the legal foundation to maintain consistent program management and ensure stable funding through different presidential administrations.
These legislative developments align with what South Korea’s defense industry requested at a December 2025 policy forum hosted by the Institute for National Security Strategy and the ruling Democratic Party. As previously noted in K-Defense Monitor, representatives from Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Doosan Enerbility, and other defense primes called for special legislation to exempt the SSN program from commercial regulatory bottlenecks, warning that existing laws designed for civilian nuclear safety would stall development at every stage.
What to watch
MND is considering including provisions to formalize the pan-governmental SSN task force on a permanent basis. While the task force currently operates as an internal MND team, the special law would serve as the legal basis for making this cross-ministerial body permanent — a key indicator of how seriously Seoul intends to institutionalize the program beyond any single administration’s tenure.
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