South Korea’s Submarines Could Reshape the ROK–U.S. Alliance

Washington’s decision to support South Korea’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) is more than the fulfillment of a long-standing ROK Navy wish. It could reshape the ROK–U.S. alliance at both strategic and operational levels. Managed well, the project may sharpen deterrence against North Korea, bind Seoul more deeply into U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, and generate a new layer of industrial interdependence. Managed poorly, it risks overstretching shipbuilding capacity, accelerating arms racing, complicating non-proliferation norms, and creating friction over costs, roles, and missions inside the alliance.