U.S. Defense Secretary: "We Will Do Our Utmost to Support South Korea's Nuclear-Powered Submarines"

Refraining from Details
Proceeding After the Joint U.S.-South Korea Defense Statement and Fact Sheet Release

On November 4, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that, regarding South Korea's introduction of nuclear-powered submarines as agreed upon by President Lee Jaemyung and U.S. President Donald Trump, "Of course, as the military authorities, we will do our utmost to actively support this initiative."

Secretary Hegseth made these remarks during a joint press conference with Defense Minister An Kyu-baek, held at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, immediately following the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) between South Korea and the United States. He reaffirmed, "I would like to reiterate the part that President Trump has approved regarding South Korea's introduction of nuclear-powered submarines."

Defense Minister An Kyu-baek and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are taking a commemorative photo on the morning of the 4th at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, ahead of the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) between South Korea and the United States. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Secretary Hegseth continued, "With regard to nuclear-powered submarines, there are related agencies such as the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Energy, and we will continue to cooperate closely with them." He added, "President Trump wants U.S. allies to be stronger and more capable, and South Korea is a model example of such a nation."

He further stated, "President Trump has approved and is open to South Korea acquiring greater and stronger capabilities, the best capabilities available. He is convinced that this-South Korea's introduction of nuclear-powered submarines-will not only enhance South Korea's own defensive capabilities but will also benefit the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

However, regarding specific matters such as the construction of nuclear-powered submarines and the provision of low-enriched uranium, he said, "It would not be appropriate to discuss the details of the approval process here," adding, "I am confident that we will achieve positive results through good-faith discussions."

Meanwhile, Secretary Hegseth commented on the strategic flexibility of U.S. Forces Korea, stating, "Through the South Korea-U.S. alliance, we are committed to maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula, but at the same time, there is a need to enhance (strategic) flexibility to respond to regional contingencies."

Secretary Hegseth also said, "In order to counter the threat from North Korea, we will make every effort to ensure that there is no harm to the Republic of Korea, and we will continue to provide extended nuclear deterrence without change." He added, "For threats arising around the world, South Korea and the United States will respond effectively through honest dialogue based on good faith, and ultimately, I believe that South Korea will play a leading role in conventional defense against North Korea."