A South Korean official has stated that the country’s future nuclear-powered submarines—being developed with the assistance of the United States—will pose a significant threat to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
### Why It Matters
In response to North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and missiles, South Korea has been bolstering its preemptive and retaliatory strike capabilities. Diesel-electric attack submarines play a crucial role in Seoul’s “three-axis system” strategy.
During his visit to South Korea last month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had approved South Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines. This move aims to enhance the endurance of Seoul’s underwater fleet. Trump mentioned that these submarines would be built in Philadelphia.
Upgrading South Korea’s submarine fleet, which will remain conventionally armed, is expected to help ease the operational burden on the U.S. military in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States currently deploys nuclear-powered submarines there largely to counter China, its main military rival.
### What to Know
Speaking on a program of South Korean broadcaster KBS on Sunday, South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized that the endurance and stealth capabilities of the proposed nuclear-powered submarines would make North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unable to “sleep well.”
“Theoretically, as long as food supplies are maintained, [a nuclear-powered submarine] does not need to surface,” the minister explained. He added that these vessels could be deployed undetected to various locations around the Korean Peninsula to intimidate Pyongyang.
Following the announcement of the submarine deal, questions arose about the Philadelphia Shipyard, which Trump said would be responsible for building the submarines for South Korea. The shipyard was acquired last year by South Korean conglomerate Hanwha.
Ahn stated that building submarines in South Korea is “the most rational approach” because Philly Shipyard (the new name of Philadelphia Shipyard) currently lacks the necessary facilities. The defense minister also recalled his meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who noted that “Trump’s will” to support the South Korean submarine project is strong.
“They have pledged active support,” Ahn said.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn mentioned on October 30 that South Korea should acquire a fleet of at least four nuclear-powered submarines using enriched uranium supplied by the U.S. The country’s navy estimates it will take about 10 years to receive the first vessel.
On the Sunday television program, the minister highlighted that South Korea’s military has prepared relentlessly for building nuclear-powered submarines for over 30 years.
“We assess that we have reached a significant level, nearing completion as long as fuel is available,” he added.
### What People Are Saying
South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated on Sunday:
“Core technologies such as reactor assembly completion and power conversion device technology have advanced considerably. While it typically takes over 10 years, we can achieve this in a shorter time frame.”
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said during a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on October 29:
“If [nuclear] fuel supply is permitted, we can build several submarines equipped with conventional weapons using our own technology to defend the waters around the Korean Peninsula, ultimately reducing the burden on U.S. forces.”
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on October 30:
“Our Military Alliance is stronger than ever before and, based on that, I have given them approval to build a Nuclear Powered Submarine, rather than the old fashioned, and far less nimble, diesel powered Submarines that they have now.”
### What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether the U.S. and South Korea will release additional details about their nuclear-powered submarine deal, including information about shipbuilding locations and specific capabilities.
https://www.newsweek.com/south-korea-says-nuclear-submarine-will-scare-kim-jong-uns-north-11027544