Hegseth vows full US support for Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the United States will fully support South Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines, reaffirming President Donald Trump’s prior approval of the initiative. Speaking at a joint press conference with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back after the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul, Hegseth said, “President Trump has approved this historic step, and I want to reaffirm that decision. As defense authorities, we will, of course, do our best to actively and fully support it.” He added, “There are other agencies involved, including the Department of State and the Department of Energy, and we will continue to coordinate closely with them. President Trump wants our allies to be strong, and the Republic of Korea is a model ally. Because of that, the President has been open to Korea acquiring greater and more advanced capabilities.” Hegseth said he was convinced the nuclear-powered submarine program would strengthen both Korea’s national defense and the bilateral alliance. “This wilWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times