Trump Announces US to Share Nuclear Submarine Propulsion Tech with South Korea

Strategic Insights -

The US government has announced a significant diplomatic step, allowing South Korea to access sensitive nuclear submarine propulsion technologies. This move is a major concession for the Indo-Pacific ally, which had previously been rebuffed by the Biden administration. The agreement will enable South Korea to build its nuclear-powered submarines in the Philadelphia Shipyards, with a reported cost of $350 billion to be paid by South Korea in exchange for lowered tariffs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US will share nuclear submarine propulsion technologies with South Korea, allowing the country to build its own nuclear-powered submarines in the Philadelphia Shipyards.
  • The agreement comes after South Korea's previous approach to the Biden administration was turned down, with the South Korean president clarifying that the country seeks to contribute to regional security, not acquire nuclear weapons.
  • The prospect of South Korea building its submarines in the US raises concerns for the American maritime industrial base, including the need for a massive undertaking in establishing a shipyard capable of producing nuclear submarines.
  • Hanwha, the owner of the Philly Shipyard, has been eyeing US Navy programs and will face challenges in attracting the necessary workforce for submarine construction.
  • The US Navy is struggling to meet its fiscal goals due to severe attrition in new workers, and has established a program to add workers to the maritime industrial base for submarine construction.

Statistics:

  • The reported cost of the agreement is $350 billion.
  • The expected timeframe for Australia to complete its nuclear-powered submarine program is well into the 2030s and 2040s.
  • The US Navy has established a program to add workers to the maritime industrial base, with severe attrition in new workers hindering fiscal goals.

Sources:

  • [1] "Trump Announces US to Share Nuclear Submarine Propulsion Tech with South Korea" - (unavailable)
  • [2]"South Korea to build Nuclear Powered Submarine in U.S." -

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