US Navy warns South Korea must justify nuclear submarine purchase beyond prestige

A high-ranking US Navy official emphasized that South Korea’s drive to acquire nuclear-powered submarines should be based on a concrete strategic requirement, not on the desire for a prestige asset. While the United States is willing to help, he argued that a nuclear submarine is unnecessary if Korean operations stay confined to its own waters. Citing Admiral Daryl Caudle’s earlier remarks, he suggested an expanded role for the Korean navy that includes countering China across the Indo-Pacific.

The official noted that Russian support for North Korea is concerning but that merely possessing submarines does not guarantee operational capability. Regarding recent cuts to ROK-US joint exercises, he said they might affect North Korean perceptions yet do not weaken deterrence. He praised Korean shipbuilders as world-class and warned that the previous “Bridge Strategy” for submarine construction could lead to delays.