Overview
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed President Trump’s approval and said the Pentagon will coordinate with the State and Energy departments.
- South Korea’s Won Chong-dae said fuel supply talks have advanced, calling it the toughest hurdle and a prerequisite for moving the project forward.
- Seoul projects a lead vessel launch in the mid-to-late 2030s if fuel is secured and construction starts in the late 2020s.
- Officials say key technologies, including the reactor and weapons systems, are in hand, with safety verification and legal and regulatory frameworks under development.
- Trump has pointed to Hanwha’s Philadelphia yard for construction, though reports note it lacks nuclear-sub infrastructure as Hanwha pursues multi‑billion‑dollar upgrades.