South Korea moves to enshrine nuclear weapons ban in submarine bill

South Korea is preparing legislation to support the development of nuclear-powered submarines while reaffirming its commitment not to develop or possess nuclear weapons, government sources said on July 28.

According to the proposed special bill, the government "shall not develop, manufacture, possess or use nuclear weapons, nor engage in any activity involving nuclear material intended exclusively for nuclear weapons purposes or that would undermine the credibility of the nuclear non-proliferation system," Yonhap reports. 

If passed, it would be the first time South Korea's pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons is explicitly enshrined in domestic law.

The bill also reaffirms Seoul's commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), calls for coordination with international organisations during the submarine development process, and requires measures to protect the public and the environment from radioactive materials.

The legislation is also expected to streamline the project by exempting it from a preliminary feasibility study.

Under the "Jang Bogo N" programme, South Korea plans to develop low-enriched uranium-fueled nuclear-powered attack submarines with U.S. consent. Seoul aims to launch its first submarine in the mid-2030s and begin operational deployment in the latter half of the decade.

Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back has said the project will comply with international non-proliferation obligations through cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

By Sabina Mammadli