October 30, 2025

In a thrilling announcement from South Korea on October 30, 2025, President Donald Trump revealed the United States will share its closely guarded nuclear-powered submarine technology with South Korea. This news came right after Trump’s meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during a dinner in Gyeongju. President Lee made it clear to Trump that South Korea wants to modernize its long-standing alliance with the US and is ready to boost its military spending. "There might have been a misunderstanding when we last spoke in August about nuclear-powered submarines," Lee explained. "Our focus is on nuclear fuel for submarines, not nuclear weapons. If South Korea gets these submarines, it could help U.S. operations in the region." Trump shared exciting details on social media, saying the new nuclear submarine will be built at the Philly Shipyard, recently bought by South Korea’s Hanwha Group. While the project size and cost are still unknown, South Korea has already pledged a massive $150 billion investment to upgrade American shipbuilding capabilities. This move is huge because U.S. nuclear submarine technology is one of the nation’s most secret and prized military assets. Even in recent close deals with allies like the United Kingdom and Australia, the US didn’t directly transfer this sensitive technology. So, Trump’s announcement marks a major shift. The timing is spicier than ever as Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping – China also has nuclear submarines – and after North Korea unveiled its own nuclear-powered submarine under construction. North Korea’s military power is growing fast; just days before Trump’s announcement, North Korea successfully tested cruise missiles. No immediate comments came from Pentagon officials about Trump’s bold nuclear submarine share pledge. But one thing is sure: the US-South Korea defense partnership just got a powerful nuclear kick! This dazzling deal takes the alliance to new heights while sending a strong message across Asia. Hold tight, because the naval power game is changing fast!

Read More at Thehindu →

Tags: Donald trump, South korea, Nuclear-powered submarine, Military technology, Hanwha group, Us-south korea alliance,