▲ South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (C) poses for a photo during a meeting with Sen. Roger Wicker (L), chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Jack Reed, the committee's ranking member, in Washington, D.C., on May 12, 2026, in this photo provided by Ahn's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

defense chief-US Navy

Defense chief requests U.S. Navy's support for S. Korea's nuclear-powered sub project

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has asked the U.S. Navy for support for South Korea's push to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, according to his office Wednesday.

According to the defense ministry, Ahn met with Hung Cao, acting U.S. Navy secretary, in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday (U.S. time) and requested support for the Seoul initiative, stressing that it would contribute to the shared security interests of the two countries and serve as an important milestone in advancing the bilateral alliance.

Ahn emphasized South Korea is an optimal partner for shipbuilding cooperation with the United States, citing the country's strong shipbuilding capabilities and the recent legislation regarding Korean investment in the U.S.

Seoul is seeking to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under a joint summit agreement with the U.S. reached last year, along with efforts to secure uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities for civil purposes.

The minister also met with key congressional figures, including Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee; Sen. Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), the committee's ranking member; and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower.

According to the ministry, Ahn explained to the lawmakers South Korea's determination and efforts to play a leading role in defending the Korean Peninsula while asking for congressional support for Washington's transfer of wartime operational control to Seoul and the nuclear-powered submarine initiative.

The lawmakers expressed support for the importance of the alliance and reaffirmed that the U.S. Congress would continue to play its role in further strengthening bilateral ties, according to the ministry.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]