US Signals Willingness to Share Nuclear Submarine Technology With South Korea

A major shift in US defense and industrial policy may be underway following public statements indicating Washington is prepared to share nuclear submarine propulsion technology with South Korea. The move would mark a significant departure from earlier reluctance to extend such capabilities beyond a small group of close partners.

As reported by industry sources, the proposal includes plans for South Korea to construct its nuclear-powered submarines at shipyards in Philadelphia. The facility, recently acquired by a South Korean industrial group, has historically focused on commercial shipbuilding but is now positioning itself to pursue US Navy-related work. According to reports, this development could reshape cooperation between the two allies while raising complex questions for the American maritime industrial base.

Nuclear propulsion technology remains one of the most tightly controlled military capabilities, previously shared only with the United Kingdom and Australia under the AUKUS framework. South Korea has sought access in the past, though earlier discussions did not result in approval. Recent comments suggest the renewed effort is framed around regional security contributions rather than weapons development.

Industry reporting notes that transitioning a commercial yard into a facility capable of building nuclear submarines would require extensive investment, regulatory approval, and long-term workforce development. Similar efforts elsewhere are expected to take decades to mature.

The plan also comes as the US Navy faces persistent labor shortages across its shipbuilding sector. Analysts say adding another major submarine construction effort could strain existing resources, even as it offers potential long-term growth for domestic shipbuilding capacity.