The United States has given South Korea the green light to build nuclear-powered submarines – a landmark decision that could significantly boost Seoul’s naval capabilities and place it among a select group of nations with such assets.
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Analysts say the move could reshape Northeast Asia’s strategic landscape in ways that not only strengthen deterrence but also reduce the risk of open conflict, as Washington recalibrates its alliance priorities under President Donald Trump.
Trump announced the decision last week, revealing that it followed successful trade negotiations with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
He said the new vessel would replace South Korea’s “old fashioned, and far less nimble, diesel powered submarines” and be constructed at a shipyard in Philadelphia run by South Korean conglomerate Hanwha.
The move is set to admit Seoul to an exclusive club of nations that possess such vessels: the US, China, Russia, the UK, France and India.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth reiterated that Washington fully backed Seoul’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines.