[fn Editorial] Agreement on the Introduction of Nuclear-Powered Submarines Opens a New Chapter for the ROK-US Alliance

South Korea's introduction of nuclear-powered submarines has gained significant momentum. During the South Korea–United States summit, President Lee Jae-myung requested a decisive move to allow the supply of fuel for nuclear-powered submarines, and U.S. President Donald Trump promptly accepted the proposal. The acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines has been a long-standing aspiration pursued by every administration since Kim Young-sam's government in 1993, regardless of political affiliation, but it has repeatedly faced setbacks. This is a landmark event in the history of South Korea's national defense.
Several positive factors contributed to the successful agreement between the two countries. From the U.S. perspective, it can reduce the operational burden of United States Forces Korea (USFK). In particular, South Korea is expected to take on a greater role in countering China in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, if submarines are constructed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, recently acquired by Hanwha Group, it would align with the Trump administration’s Make American Shipbuilding Great Again project (MASGA) and its goal of revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
However, the agreement between the two leaders does not mean immediate realization. China’s opposition remains a concern. Nevertheless, South Korea should not be overly swayed by China’s stance. The purpose of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines is solely to safeguard our security and is a legitimate exercise of sovereignty. These submarines are not strategic nuclear submarines equipped with nuclear weapons; they are conventionally armed and powered by nuclear (atomic) fuel. This is a purely defensive enhancement of our military capabilities, unrelated to nuclear armament. The government must clearly communicate these facts to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.
There are still many challenges to overcome before actual construction can begin. Securing low-enriched uranium fuel for the submarines will require revising the Agreement for Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of the United States of America concerning Civil Uses of Atomic Energy. The necessary procedures for normal operation are also formidable. Detailed cooperation is needed in areas such as technology transfer, establishing a fuel supply system, and developing small modular reactors. Substantial funding and advanced technological capabilities are also essential. To advance the nuclear-powered submarine project, the government must transparently disclose information to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and the public, foster communication, and build consensus. The opposition should also support this bipartisan national security initiative.
The significance of the agreement to introduce nuclear-powered submarines goes beyond simply strengthening our national defense and security. It serves as a milestone symbolizing a qualitative transformation of the ROK-US Alliance. This marks a departure from a one-sided relationship of U.S. protection, paving the way for a mutually complementary and reciprocal 'modernization of the alliance' by enhancing South Korea’s independent defense capabilities. Additionally, the agreement can help dispel recent concerns about cracks in the alliance that arose during tariff negotiations between the two countries. Through this agreement, both nations reaffirmed that they are unparalleled partners, united in both economic and security interests.
With the momentum gained from the agreement between President Lee Jae-myung and President Trump, we hope to see smooth implementation without setbacks. As a long-cherished aspiration that previous administrations failed to achieve has now been realized, it is crucial to seize this historic opportunity and deliver tangible results as swiftly as possible.