South Korea's plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines by mid-2030s aims to enhance underwater capabilities near the 'first island chain,' strengthening deterrence against China and North Korea, according to analysts.

South Korea’s plans to build nuclear-powered submarines by the mid-2030s will spur a US-allied network of advanced underwater capabilities near the first island chain, strengthening deterrence against potential adversaries such as China and North Korea, analysts say. The South Korean defence ministry this week announced its basic plans to build the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine, giving its first detailed outline of the programme since US President Donald Trump granted initial...