The South Korean government has announced plans to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines, with the first vessel to be operational by the mid-2030s, as part of an effort to strengthen its naval capabilities. Analysts point out that when taken with developments already under way or being considered by China, North Korea and Japan, it is clear that northeast Asia is already very firmly embroiled in an undersea arms race. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back unveiled Seoul's plan at a Tuesday meeting