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4h ago

U.S. Backs Larger South Korean Defense Role, Including Nuclear-Powered Submarine Plan

Seoul maintains it will not seek nuclear weapons.

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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth departs Osan Air Base in South Korea for the United States on Nov. 4, 2025. (Yonhap)
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (R) and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi inspect Japanese honor guards at the Japanese defense ministry in Tokyo on Oct. 29, 2025. (Yonhap)
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (R) attends a meeting with his counterparts from the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur on Nov. 1, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said South Korea will assume more responsibility for deterring North Korea as it increases military investments.
  • President Lee Jae Myung proposed an 8.2% defense budget increase next year to develop autonomous drones, precision-guided missiles and combat robots.
  • Washington and Seoul agreed that U.S. warships will be maintained and repaired in South Korea to strengthen readiness.
  • Hegseth said the Pentagon will work with the Energy and State departments to support South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines.
  • Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back rejected any move to develop a domestic nuclear weapons program as the allies emphasized deterrence of Pyongyang.