U.S. Backs South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Ambitions
(LEAD) Hegseth vows interagency efforts to fulfill nuclear sub construction for S. Korea
SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday that the United States will collaborate across agencies to support South Korea’s initiative to construct nuclear-powered submarines at a U.S. shipyard. This commitment follows a recent summit where South Korean President Lee Jae Myung requested permission from President Donald Trump to secure fuel for these submarines. Trump subsequently approved the construction, emphasizing the need for advanced military capabilities over traditional diesel-powered options.
Strengthening Alliances Through Advanced Defense Capabilities
During a press conference after annual security discussions with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, Hegseth highlighted the importance of enhancing South Korea’s defense capabilities. He stated, “We are going to work closely with the Department of State, the Department of Energy to fulfill President Trump’s commitment in a deliberate manner.” This initiative reflects the U.S. administration’s desire to ensure that its allies possess the best possible defense technologies.
Hegseth praised South Korea’s robust shipbuilding industry, noting its potential for collaboration in various defense sectors, including surface warfare and submarine construction. “There’s going to be a great deal to be made, and I think it’ll be mutually beneficial to both countries,” he added. The U.S. defense chief’s remarks underscore a strategic shift towards modernizing military alliances in response to evolving global threats.
In light of regional security concerns, particularly regarding North Korea, Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to deterrence. He addressed questions about the potential deployment of U.S. Forces Korea in response to contingencies in the Taiwan Strait, stating that flexibility for regional contingencies would be considered while maintaining a focus on deterring threats from the North.
Annual Security Consultative Meeting Highlights Ongoing Cooperation
The recent Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) marked the first such gathering for both Hegseth and Ahn since taking office earlier this year. In his opening remarks, Hegseth emphasized the strength of the decades-long alliance between the U.S. and South Korea, calling for increased defense cooperation. This year’s discussions come amid ongoing deliberations on how to modernize the alliance to address contemporary security challenges.
Hegseth’s visit to the Joint Security Area within the Demilitarized Zone, alongside Ahn, served as a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between the two nations. As the SCM concluded, a joint communique detailing the outcomes of their discussions is expected to be released soon, further outlining the path forward for U.S.-South Korea defense collaboration.
