The Navy outlined its plans during a parliamentary defense audit at the Gyeryongdae military headquarters, pledging to strengthen its forces through artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and advanced naval technologies.
Under the government-led Jangbogo-N program, South Korea aims to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-2030s and bring it into operational service in the late 2030s.
The Navy established a dedicated nuclear-powered submarine task force in May to oversee preparations for design, construction, testing and eventual deployment.
The submarines are expected to use low-enriched uranium containing less than 20 percent uranium-235. Although detailed specifications have not been officially disclosed, military authorities are reportedly considering three vessels displacing around 8,000 tons each.
The Navy is also seeking to introduce a carrier capable of operating both manned aircraft and unmanned systems by the early 2040s.
Measuring approximately 270 meters long and 70 meters wide, the carrier would displace more than 30,000 tons and accommodate over 20 unmanned systems, including surveillance and attack drones, alongside more than 20 manned aircraft and landing craft.
The Navy submitted a revised requirement for the project in October last year. The proposal remains under review by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with a final decision on the revised requirement expected by the end of this year.
Beyond the two major projects, the Navy plans to acquire Korean Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX) vessels, ship-to-surface ballistic missiles, long-range attack drones and SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors during the 2030s.
It is also pursuing domestically developed naval ballistic missile interceptors to strengthen its ability to detect, track and intercept North Korean missiles.
"Strong naval power is the foundation of maritime security and a key capability supporting our maritime sovereignty, peace and prosperity," said Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul, South Korea's chief of naval operations.
Separately, the Marine Corps told lawmakers it plans to establish a Marine Operations Command by 2028 as part of efforts to gain greater operational independence from the Army and Navy.
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