Diving into Defense: The US-South Korea Nuclear Submarine Agreement

Sun Nov 16 2025 04:14:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US and South Korea have teamed up to build nuclear-powered submarines, marking a significant shift in military strategy amid rising tensions with North Korea and China.

South Korea has made a historic agreement with the United States to construct nuclear-powered attack submarines. This partnership, driven by the need to strengthen defenses against North Korea's nuclear ambitions and China's regional assertiveness, allows South Korea to enhance its military capabilities. The collaboration comes amid recent trade negotiations, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in East Asia.

South Korea's government has announced that it has finalized an agreement to build nuclear-powered submarines in partnership with the United States.

The US has approved these attack submarines and agreed to cooperate in sourcing fuel, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.

This agreement marks a significant step in South Korea's relations with the US amid growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, particularly with nuclear-armed North Korea and an expansionist China to the west.

What's in the agreement?

The agreement comes after a broader trade deal which saw reciprocal tariffs between the two countries cut from 25% to 15%. US President Trump previously had imposed 25% tariffs on South Korea, but negotiations have led to significant investments from South Korea into the US economy.

The White House confirmed it has given approval for the Republic of Korea to build nuclear-powered attack submarines and will cooperate on project requirements, including fuel sourcing. The intended construction site is a shipyard in Philadelphia managed by South Korean conglomerate Hanwha.

Only six countries currently possess nuclear-powered strategic submarines: the US, China, Russia, the UK, France, and India. While South Korea's fleet of submarines is currently diesel-powered, nuclear submarines will offer increased operational range and efficiency.

Why does South Korea want nuclear submarines?

The new submarine program aims to counter North Korea's own nuclear submarine ambitions, which were recently showcased by the Kim regime. South Korean officials, including President Lee, have emphasized the necessity of nuclear submarines for national security.

South Korea's Defense Minister remarked that the stealth features of nuclear submarines would significantly enhance defense capabilities, keeping North Korea's leadership on alert.

Does North Korea have nuclear submarines?

North Korea has been developing a nuclear submarine program, potentially with assistance from Russia. It has announced plans to unveil its nuclear submarines in the near future, paralleling South Korea's advancements.

Will this inflame tensions on the Korean Peninsula?

While the long-term impact of these submarines on South Korean defense capabilities remains uncertain, experts suggest they are essential for maintaining a semblance of parity in defense against North Korea. The deployment of nuclear submarines may exacerbate the existing arms race but also positions South Korea as a more significant player in regional security.

What's in it for the United States?

This strategic partnership seeks to enhance US influence over North Korea and counterbalance China's growing assertiveness. Trump's administration's strategy appears focused on having South Korea increase its defense spending and act as a proxy for US interests in the region.