LEU threshold may create an expensive domestic fleet outclassed by China’s superior, long-endurance HEU submarines

The U.S. and South Korea have agreed to pursue a separate bilateral pact to facilitate Seoul’s development of nuclear-powered submarines, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Wednesday. The proposed framework would seek a tailored exemption under Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, drawing on the legal precedent created for Australia under the AUKUS security partnership.

Wi said South Korea would pursue domestic enrichment of low-enriched uranium (LEU) below the 20% threshold to fuel the vessels, explicitly ruling out the use of highly-enriched uranium (HEU). The move is intended to keep the program within non-proliferation norms while enabling nuclear propulsion for the ROK Navy’s next-generation submarine fleet.

The U.S. and South Korea have agreed to pursue a separate bilateral pact to facilitate Seoul’s development of nuclear-powered submarines, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Wednesday. The proposed framework would seek a tailored exemption under Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, drawing on the legal precedent created for Australia under the AUKUS security partnership.

Wi said South Korea would pursue domestic enrichment of low-enriched uranium (LEU) below the 20% threshold to fuel the vessels, explicitly ruling out the use of highly-enriched uranium (HEU). The move is intended to keep the program within non-proliferation norms while enabling nuclear propulsion for the ROK Navy’s next-generation submarine fleet.

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