South Korea seeks IAEA agreement for nuclear-powered submarines

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi announced that South Korea has officially notified the agency of its intention to begin consultations regarding a separate agreement under Article 14 of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA). This move is intended to facilitate the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

By utilizing Article 14, South Korea seeks to allow the use of nuclear material for permitted military purposes, such as submarine propulsion, while addressing international concerns regarding the potential diversion of enriched uranium for weapons development. South Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has submitted relevant notification data to the IAEA. The South Korean government aims to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s.

Separately, Grossi provided updates on North Korea’s nuclear activities, stating that a new uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon may already be operational or very close to it. Satellite imagery and technical indicators suggest the facility contains centrifuges similar to previously identified North Korean sites. Additionally, the 5MW reactor and a light-water reactor at the Yongbyon site appear to be operational.