Nuclear Submarines
New US defense strategy highlights Seoul's leading role in peninsula security
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The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes South Korea's leading role in Korean Peninsula security, which the defense ministry welcomed. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun discussed with a US official the need to acquire nuclear-powered submarines to enhance deterrence and the alliance. This aligns with President Trump's 'America First' policy, pushing for stronger self-reliant defense in South Korea.
North Korea denounced on Tuesday the United States' approval of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine push, warning it would trigger a 'nuclear domino' in the region. This marks Pyongyang's first response to the joint fact sheet released last Friday on outcomes from summits between the two allies' leaders. North Korea labeled the document as formalizing a confrontational stance and vowed countermeasures.
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President Lee Jae-myung told U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday that retaking wartime operational control within his term would upgrade the bilateral alliance. The meeting occurred as Seoul and Washington held annual security talks to discuss alliance modernization. Lee also expressed gratitude for President Donald Trump's support for South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine bid.