Trump Announces U.S. Will Share Nuclear Submarine Tech with South Korea

Former President Donald Trump announced on social media that the United States will share sensitive nuclear submarine propulsion technology with South Korea. This decision marks a significant diplomatic step that the current administration had previously hesitated to take with its key Indo-Pacific ally. In his post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “South Korea will be building its Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelphia Shipyards, right here in the good ol’ U.S.A.” He emphasized that shipbuilding in the U.S. is set to make a substantial comeback.

Last year, Hanwha, a South Korean defense and energy company, acquired the Philadelphia Shipyard from a Norwegian investment group. This purchase was part of a strategic initiative to enhance its business relations with the U.S. Navy. In a separate message, Trump mentioned that South Korea had agreed to pay $350 billion in exchange for the reduction of tariffs imposed by the White House.

Nuclear Technology and Regional Security

The nuclear propulsion technology that the U.S. possesses, which is also utilized by the United Kingdom and Australia under the AUKUS agreement, is highly coveted and closely guarded. South Korea had previously sought access to this technology from the Biden administration but was denied. According to reports, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung indicated that prior discussions might have been misconstrued by the former administration as South Korea’s desire for nuclear weapons rather than just fuel for submarines.

President Lee also noted that having nuclear-powered submarines would bolster South Korea’s contribution to regional security. This rationale has been a central argument made by American and British officials to support Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines in 2021.

Challenges Ahead for Philadelphia Shipyard

The possibility of South Korea constructing submarines in the United States raises numerous questions regarding the American maritime industrial base. Historically, Philadelphia Shipyard focused primarily on commercial vessels under its previous ownership. With Hanwha now at the helm, the company aims to shift its focus towards U.S. Navy projects. However, establishing a shipyard capable of building nuclear submarines will be a monumental task. This endeavor is projected to take Australia into the 2030s and 2040s.

Additionally, Hanwha is likely to encounter significant challenges in attracting the skilled workforce necessary for submarine construction. The U.S. Navy has launched a comprehensive, multi-year marketing campaign to recruit workers for the maritime industrial sector, specifically targeting submarine construction. Nonetheless, the Navy is facing difficulties in meeting its recruitment goals due to high attrition rates among new workers.

As the partnership between the United States and South Korea evolves, the implications for regional security and industrial capabilities will be closely watched by international observers. The sharing of nuclear propulsion technology could reshape the dynamics of military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.