DAPA tells National Assembly audit it will accelerate nuclear-powered submarines, AI combat systems and 20 more F-35As

At the National Assembly Defense Committee's annual audit on October 13, 2026, Defense Acquisition Program Administration Minister Lee Yong-cheol reported plans to accelerate the Jang Bogo-N nuclear-powered submarine, targeting a first boat in the mid-2030s and operational service in the late 2030s, and to speed acquisition of AI-based combat systems including combat drones, unmanned surface vessels and laser air defense. DAPA also laid out the purchase of 20 additional F-35A stealth fighters. On exports, the agency described region-tailored packages: US naval shipbuilding and North American ground systems, localization and technology transfer in the Middle East, NATO cooperation in Europe, and tank and submarine bids in Peru, citing Croatia's Chunmoo order as a new European market. Force improvement spending is about 19.97 trillion won in 2026 with 22.72 trillion won proposed for 2027. Lawmakers also pressed DAPA over an internal evaluation bribery case and alleged pressure on small suppliers.