Trump approves South Koreas plan to construct nuclear-powered submarine, U.S. to share tech

The United States will share intently held know-how to permit South Korea to construct a nuclear-powered submarine, President Donald Trump mentioned on social media on Thursday (October 30, 2025) after assembly with the nation’s president.

President Lee Jae Myung confused to Mr. Trump of their Wednesday assembly that the purpose was to modernise the alliance with the U.S., noting plans to extend army spending to cut back the monetary burden on America.

The South Korean chief mentioned there might need been a misunderstanding once they final spoke in August about nuclear-powered submarines, saying that his authorities was in search of nuclear gasoline reasonably than weapons.

Mr. Lee mentioned that if South Korea was geared up with nuclear-powered submarines, that it might assist U.S. actions within the area.

Mr. Trump mentioned in a separate put up that the nation would construct its nuclear-powered submarine within the Philly Shipyard, which was purchased final 12 months by South Korea’s Hanwha Group.

It was unclear what the dimensions or value of the sub undertaking can be, however South Korea had mentioned as a part of talks with Trump that it had dedicated $150 billion to spend money on America’s shipbuilding capability.

U.S. nuclear submarine know-how is extensively thought to be among the most delicate and extremely guarded know-how the army possesses. The U.S. has been extremely protecting of that information, and even a not too long ago introduced cope with shut allies the United Kingdom and Australia to assist the latter purchase nuclear submarine know-how doesn’t function the U.S. immediately transferring its information.

Mr. Trump’s put up on social media comes forward of his assembly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose nation possesses nuclear submarines, and after North Korea in March unveiled for the primary time a nuclear-powered submarine below building. It is a weapons system that may pose a significant safety risk to South Korea and the U.S.

As Mr. Trump visited South Korea, North Korea mentioned Wednesday that it carried out profitable cruise missile checks, the newest show of its rising army capabilities.

Pentagon officers didn’t instantly reply to questions on Trump’s announcement on sharing the nuclear sub know-how with South Korea.