In Pursuit of Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Australia, South Korea, And Japan

Kwong, Jamie

Research

In Pursuit of Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Australia, South Korea, And Japan

A look at why states without nuclear weapons are seeking naval nuclear propulsion, whether they can legally and technically deliver it, what it will cost them, and what responsible stewardship of the capability would look like.

By Jamie Kwong

Published on Sep 15, 2026

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About the Author

Jamie Kwong

Fellow, Nuclear Policy Program

Jamie Kwong is a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Recent Work

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A Nuclear Odyssey at Sea
- Jamie Kwong, Toby Dalton
Research
A New Era of Nuclear-Powered Submarines Is Making Waves in Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones
- +5
  Toby Dalton, Jamie Kwong, Ryan A. Musto, …

Asia Australia Indo-Pacific South Korea Japan Nuclear Policy

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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