S.Korea-U.S. nuclear-powered submarine cooperation

The first Security Consultative Meeting between Korea and the U.S. since both countries launched their new administrations. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that the U.S. will fully support Korea’s development of nuclear-powered submarines as the two leaders had agreed at last week’s summit.

Hegseth stated Trump is open to opportunities to ensure Korea has the best capabilities in their own defense and alongside the U.S. as allies. He also said that Trump wants a stronger partnership not only in submarines but also in surface warfare.

President Lee Jae Myung’s push to retake wartime operational control from the U.S. is likely to speed up as well. Both South Korean and American defense chiefs reportedly agreed to complete the ongoing two-step vetting process for OPCON transfer sometime next year.