호주 AUKUS 사례에 기반한 대한민국 원자력잠수함 도입을 위한 법·정책 전략

This study aims to examine the legal and policy foundations that the Republic of Korea would need to prepare in advance should it pursue the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, by analyzing Australia’s experience in concretizing its nuclear-powered submarine program through the AUKUS partnership. Although nuclear-powered submarines are intended for military operation, the handling and management of nuclear fuel inevitably intersect with the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and nuclear safety norms. Accordingly, neither the simple acquisition of military hardware nor diplomatic approval alone is sufficient to ensure the long-term sustainability and international legitimacy of such a program. This study reviews the international consultations undertaken by Australia following the launch of AUKUS, as well as the associated amendments to its domestic legal framework, and on this basis compares the Australian and Korean cases to identify policy strategies applicable to the Republic of Korea. The legal and policy strategies proposed in this study are intended to serve as foundational reference material for advancing a national program for nuclear-powered submarines while maintaining confidence in the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.