Hegseth confirms Trump support for South Korea’s nuclear submarine programme
The pledge accelerates Seoul’s long-sought military goal and signals a major shift in US policy on nuclear naval technology transfer
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that the United States will fully support Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines, reaffirming US President Donald Trump’s prior approval of the initiative.
“President Trump has approved this historic step, and I want to reaffirm that decision. As defence authorities, we will, of course, do our best to actively and fully support it,” Hegseth said during a joint press conference with South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back after the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Seoul.
He added, “There are other agencies involved, including the Department of State and the Department of Energy, and we will continue to coordinate closely with them. President Trump wants our allies to be strong, and the Republic of Korea is a model ally. Because of that, the president has been open to Korea acquiring greater and more advanced capabilities.”
Trump announced the approval on social media last week, following a summit with President Lee Jae-myung. The submarines are slated to be built at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in the United States. Washington’s approval was critical, as the two nations’ nuclear energy agreement prohibits Seoul from reprocessing spent nuclear fuel for military purposes without US consent.
Hegseth said he was convinced the nuclear submarine programme would strengthen both Korea’s national defence and the bilateral alliance.
“South Korea has world-class shipbuilding capabilities, and the United States looks forward to expanding cooperation not only in submarines but also in surface warfare,” he said.