Seoul: The U.S. chief of naval operations, Adm. Daryl Caudle, has articulated that it is a "natural expectation" for Washington to foresee the South Korean Navy utilizing a nuclear-powered submarine, once constructed, to help counter Chinese threats. This statement comes as the United States has officially approved South Korea's initiative to acquire its first nuclear-powered submarine, detailed in a joint fact sheet released following summit talks between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Adm. Caudle emphasized the strategic value of such a submarine, suggesting its deployment would not only enhance South Korea's regional naval capabilities but also contribute to global deterrence efforts. The U.S. anticipates that this new capability will strengthen their alliance, especially in confronting what it considers a pacing threat from China. Both nations share common concerns over China's activities, reinforcing the expectation of collaboration in defense strategies.
Washington urges its allies to boost defense investments and support "collective defense" initiatives amidst escalating Sino-U.S. tensions. During the recent summit in Gyeongju, President Lee requested President Trump to permit South Korea to secure nuclear fuel for conventionally armed submarines, aiming to alleviate the operational pressures on U.S. forces in tracking North Korean and Chinese vessels.
Adm. Caudle highlighted that operating a nuclear-powered submarine introduces a new level of deterrence capability, imposing greater responsibility on the South Korean Navy to operate not only regionally but also globally. He cited the Spider Man adage, "with great power comes great responsibility," suggesting that South Korea's naval role could expand significantly.
Questions about the construction location of the submarine, whether in South Korea or a U.S. shipyard owned by South Korean conglomerate Hanwha, remain unanswered, as Adm. Caudle directed such inquiries to the White House. However, he reiterated the importance of a robust partnership between South Korea and the U.S. against China's gray zone activities, underlining a "peace through strength" model.
In terms of military exercises, Adm. Caudle did not dismiss the possibility of conducting joint naval drills in the Yellow Sea to counter China's threats, though he refrained from divulging specific operational plans. Currently, such drills are primarily conducted in the eastern and southern waters off the Korean Peninsula.
Adm. Caudle's visit to South Korea, which includes shipyard inspections, anticipates South Korea's significant role in enhancing U.S. shipbuilding capacity. Although legal restrictions may complicate collaboration on combat ships, opportunities exist for cooperation on supply ships, auxiliary vessels, consul tankers, and car carriers.
Regarding North Korea's naval developments, Adm. Caudle acknowledged that while the North is not a direct naval threat to the U.S., vigilant monitoring is crucial to counteract threats to South Korea. He specifically mentioned the increasing importance of addressing underwater drone technology as a potential threat.