South Korea is closer to realizing its goal of nuclear-powered submarines following US President Trump’s announcement that Seoul would build such a vessel in a Philadelphia shipyard. While this aligns with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s request for access to highly enriched nuclear fuel, significant hurdles remain due to existing nuclear agreements. Critics question the necessity of nuclear submarines, suggesting non-nuclear alternatives may suffice, but concerns about North Korea’s advancements are driving South Korea’s ambitions. Non-proliferation advocates also warn about the implications of enriched uranium use, emphasizing the need for strict safeguards to prevent nuclear weapon proliferation.
