South Korean Navy targets AI-driven drone carrier and nuclear subs by 2040s

The South Korean Navy used an annual parliamentary audit to unveil a major modernization push aimed at countering the evolving maritime threat from North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities. Under the MUM-T battle-group concept, it has asked the Joint Chiefs of Staff to approve a 270-meter, 30,000-ton plus "drone carrier" that will accommodate over 20 unmanned combat, reconnaissance, and mine-warfare systems, with service entry targeted for the early 2040s. The navy also confirmed the Jang Bogo N program to field at least three 8,000-ton nuclear attack submarines powered by high-assay low-enriched uranium, planning to launch the first unit in the mid-2030s and achieve full operational status by the late 2030s. Additional commitments include building KDDX destroyers and intelligence-collection ships by the mid-2030s, and securing advanced missile and interceptor weapons. In a related defense audit, the Air Force announced the relocation of its T-50 trainer and TA-50 light-attack jets from Gwangju to bases in North Gyeongsang and South Chungcheong provinces, freeing the Gwangju site for a multibillion-dollar semiconductor cluster involving Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.