Japanese Media: "US Approval of South Korea's Nuclear Submarine Likely to Accelerate Japan's Own Discussion on Acquisition"

Japanese media reported on the 31st that discussions within Japan regarding the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines are likely to accelerate following US President Donald Trump's expressed intent to approve South Korea's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

ROK-US Presidents Reviewing Honor Guard (Gyeongju=Yonhap News) Reporter Han Sang-gyun = President Lee Jae-myung and US President Donald Trump are reviewing the honor guard at the official welcoming ceremony held at the Gyeongju National Museum on the 29th. 2025.10.29 [Presidential Office Communication Photo Journalists] xyz@yna.co.kr

The Asahi Shimbun reported that President Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, on the 30th, "I have approved South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines."

Earlier, on the 29th, President Lee Jae-myung, during a summit with President Trump in Gyeongju, emphasized the necessity of South Korea possessing nuclear-powered submarines, stating, "Diesel submarines have limited submerged endurance, restricting our ability to track North Korean or Chinese submarines." He requested, "Please make a decision to allow us to receive fuel supplies."

In relation to this, a Japanese Ministry of Defense official commented, "The influence of South Korea will further strengthen the momentum within Japan towards adopting (nuclear-powered submarines)," the newspaper reported.

The Ministry of Defense's expert meeting in September already proposed considering the introduction of a "next-generation propulsion" submarine, stating, "To support strike capabilities against enemy bases (counterattack capabilities), the ability to remain submerged for extended periods and long distances while carrying long-range missiles is necessary." Although the term used is "next-generation propulsion," it is understood to refer to nuclear-powered submarines.

Furthermore, the agreement signed on the 20th between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Ishin no Kai for the formation of a coalition government includes a provision to pursue the possession of next-generation propulsion submarines capable of long-duration, long-range submerged operations with long-range missiles.

In this regard, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated at a press conference on the 22nd, "We will not rule out any options" and "We will consider measures to improve deterrence and response capabilities."

Currently, in East Asia, China possesses nuclear-powered submarines, and North Korea announced its intention to develop a ballistic missile-carrying nuclear submarine (SSBN) in 2021, and in March of this year, it unveiled its construction.

The Nikkei Shimbun speculated that the reason President Trump accepted President Lee's request was "because China is actively conducting submarine activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea."

Additionally, the Nikkei noted that President Trump's statement that "South Korea will build nuclear-powered submarines at the excellent American shipyard in Philadelphia (Philly Shipyard)" suggests that he also aimed for economic benefits such as the revitalization of the US shipbuilding industry through South Korea's investment in the US.

The Nikkei added that President Trump's pursuit of dialogue with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un, coupled with South Korea's nuclear submarine acquisition plan, could also have an impact on North Korea-US relations. Yonhap News