South Korea will need about 10 years to develop its first nuclear-powered submarine, Renhap news agency reported, referring to the statement of the Chief of Staff of the South Korean Navy, Admiral Kang Dong-gil.
The agency notes that the admiral made this statement during his speech at the parliamentary session on Thursday. According to Kang Dong-gil, no decision has yet been made regarding the development of a nuclear-powered submarine within the framework of the Dosan An Changho-class submarine project.
"If a decision is made, it (the creation of the submarine) will take approximately 10 years," Renhap quoted the Chief of the Naval Staff as saying.
According to the agency, the admiral predicted that the future submarine would have a displacement of 5,000 tons or more. Its enriched uranium level will be 20% or lower for "peaceful purposes".
