Trump Backs South Korea-U.S. Nuclear Submarine Cooperation, Accelerating Talks
Talks between South Korea and the United States on nuclear-powered submarines have entered a new stage after U.S. President Donald Trump’s public endorsement, injecting urgency into what had been a discreet push by Seoul.
The idea was first raised at the August summit between President Lee Jae-myung and Trump, when South Korea sought U.S. assistance with nuclear submarine technology and fuel. According to Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, the request was repeated during a closed-door session at a second summit on Oct. 29. Lee, officials said, emphasized the need to respond to North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities.
Trump responded cautiously at the time, saying he would review the matter, but posted on Truth Social the following day, “I have approved the construction of nuclear-powered submarines for them (South Korea),” calling diesel submarines “outdated” and affirming his confidence in a stronger alliance.
That declaration set the tone for Monday’s annual Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul, where Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek met U.S. officials to discuss next steps. While no joint statement was issued, officials confirmed that nuclear propulsion cooperation was a key agenda item. U.S. representatives reportedly praised South Korea’s advanced shipbuilding sector and expressed openness to greater industrial collaboration, including the possible use of American shipyards for critical components. A working-level consultative body is now being formed to address technical challenges, especially securing enriched fuel for submarine reactors. “If we can finalize a fuel agreement with the U.S. and begin construction by the late 2020s, we believe a lead ship could be operational by the mid-2030s,” said Won Jong-dae, director of resource management at South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense.
Despite the momentum, Ahn reiterated Seoul’s firm nonproliferation stance. “The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is an unwavering principle,” he told reporters, stressing South Korea’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He said Seoul seeks nuclear propulsion, not weapons, and will continue relying on the Combined Nuclear Integration system to deter regional threats.
Formal agreements remain pending, but Trump’s endorsement and the establishment of a bilateral working group have accelerated the initiative. Future progress will hinge on resolving key issues, including fuel supply, program timelines, and industrial roles. For now, Seoul views the program as a strategic means to strengthen deterrence against North Korea while preserving its global nonproliferation commitments.
Sean Jung R&D Division Director teen/1763604983/1613367592
1. Where did the annual Security Consultative Meeting take place?
2. Who raised the issue of nuclear submarine technology assistance during both the August summit and the closed-door October meeting?
3. Why is South Korea seeking nuclear-powered submarines as part of its broader defense strategy, particularly in response to North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities?
4. Why did Defense Minister Ahn emphasize South Korea’s commitment to nonproliferation and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?
1. Who do you feel played the most influential role in accelerating the talks, President Lee or President Trump?
2. When do you believe South Korea should aim to field its first nuclear-powered submarine, considering regional security?
3. What concerns do you personally have about South Korea pursuing nuclear-powered submarines?
4. What do you think is the biggest challenge South Korea will face in developing this program?
Talks between South Korea and the United States on nuclear-powered submarines have entered a new stage after U.S. President Donald Trump’s public endorsement, injecting urgency into what had been a discreet push by Seoul.
