South Korea, U.S. Finalize Pact to Build Nuclear-Powered Submarines

U.S. consent unlocks South Korea's long-sought nuclear-submarine program.

Overview

President Lee Jae-myung announced that negotiations concluded with a decision to proceed with construction of nuclear-powered submarines.
A joint document records Washington's formal consent for Seoul to build the vessels and support for expanded authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing.
Seoul committed to spend $25 billion on U.S. military equipment by 2030 and to provide $33 billion in support for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea.
The countries will continue work through a bilateral shipbuilding group focused on increasing the number of U.S. commercial and military ships ready for service.
Key implementation details, including manufacturing location, technology-transfer arrangements, safeguards, and timelines, remain to be negotiated.