Nuclear Submarine Tech Deal: USA and South Korea Unite

Thu Oct 30 2025 17:06:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move to enhance military cooperation, the USA will share its advanced submarine technology with South Korea, following a high-level meeting between President Trump and President Lee Jae Myung.

President Trump announced on social media that the USA will provide South Korea access to nuclear submarine technology. The announcement came after a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who emphasized the importance of modernizing the alliance and boosting military spending. With North Korea showcasing its military developments, including new nuclear submarines, this deal represents a strategic shift in the U.S.-South Korea relationship, aimed at enhancing regional security.

GYEONGJU, South Korea (AP) — The United States will share closely held technology to allow South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, President Donald Trump said on social media Thursday after meeting with the country’s president.

President Lee Jae Myung stressed to Trump in their Wednesday meeting that the goal was to modernize the alliance with the U.S., noting plans to increase military spending to reduce the financial burden on America. The South Korean leader clarified that his government was looking for nuclear fuel rather than weapons.

Lee explained that if South Korea was equipped with nuclear-powered submarines, it could aid U.S. activities in the region.

The announcement marks the first direct transfer of U.S. nuclear submarine technology, which has been highly protected until now, showcasing trust building in U.S.-South Korea relations amidst growing military challenges, including North Korea's missile tests.

As Trump prepares for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who leads a country that already possesses nuclear submarines, this technology deal could shape the future balance of military power in the region.