U.S. defense chief signals strong support for South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine initiative
Washington reaffirms commitment to bolster Seoul’s strategic maritime deterrence under alliance framework
The United States has reaffirmed its willingness to actively support South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines, describing the move as a meaningful step toward strengthening the capabilities of the bilateral alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Seoul on the 4th, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the decision aligns with the strategic direction endorsed under former President Donald Trump.
“I would like to reiterate that what President Trump approved remains valid,” he stated.
“The U.S. defense establishment will do its utmost to provide active support as South Korea proceeds with this program.”
Hegseth noted that the nuclear-powered submarine program involves multiple U.S. government agencies, including the State Department and the Department of Energy, and added that Washington intends to maintain close inter-agency coordination as discussions advance.
He further highlighted the broader strategic rationale behind U.S. support:
“President Trump believes that U.S. allies should continue to enhance their own defense capabilities.
In this respect, South Korea is a model partner.
The United States is open to supporting South Korea as it strengthens its naval and strategic capabilities.”
The deployment of nuclear-powered submarines is expected to significantly enhance South Korea’s undersea operational endurance, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and strategic deterrence posture, particularly amid concerns over North Korea’s development of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) platforms.
While Hegseth refrained from detailing the specific approval process or technology cooperation pathways, he expressed confidence that both nations would advance discussions in good faith to produce a positive outcome.
During the SCM, Seoul and Washington also reaffirmed their commitments to enhancing extended deterrence implementation, expanding rotational deployment of U.S. strategic assets, and strengthening combined military readiness.
The announcement signals that South Korea’s naval modernization efforts are entering a phase of deeper alliance-based coordination, with nuclear-powered submarine acquisition now treated as a practical agenda item rather than a conceptual proposal.