South Korea Moves to Secure U.S. Nuclear Fuel for Submarine Program Within Two Years
Updated (2 articles)
Defense Ministry Announces Formal Negotiations With United States The ministry will open talks with Washington to obtain nuclear fuel for its planned submarines, targeting a two‑year completion window. The initiative was presented at a policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung and follows recent U.S. approval of Seoul’s submarine push. Officials stress the urgency given heightened regional threats. [1][2]
Fuel Access Likely Requires Separate Agreement Beyond Existing Pact Current bilateral nuclear cooperation covers only peaceful civilian use, so a distinct arrangement may be needed for military‑grade fuel. Both articles note the possibility of a standalone deal to bypass the existing treaty’s limits. Negotiators are preparing legal frameworks to accommodate this shift. [1][2]
Blueprint for Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Program to Be Drafted Next Year A comprehensive plan will be produced in 2026 outlining development principles, construction timelines, and non‑proliferation safeguards. A pangovernment body will label the effort a national strategic initiative and draft safety regulations for submarine reactors. The blueprint aims to align technical, legal, and strategic dimensions before fuel talks conclude. [1][2]
Operational Control Transfer Timeline Integrated With Submarine Schedule Seoul seeks to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States by 2030, with the second stage of a three‑stage assessment due by the November 2026 defense chiefs meeting. Defense ministers also plan to certify full operational capability next year and create a road map to accelerate OPCON handover. These milestones are tied to the submarine program’s overall readiness. [1][2]
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: Defense ministry seeks talks with the United States on fuel for nuclear-powered submarines, aiming to conclude within two years: Details the ministry’s intent to negotiate fuel access, the two‑year deadline, and the need for treaty revision or a separate deal, emphasizing strategic and safety frameworks.
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2.
Yonhap: South Korea aims to wrap U.S. talks on nuclear-powered submarine fuel within two years: Mirrors the first report while highlighting Washington’s recent approval, the upcoming blueprint, and the OPCON transfer schedule as part of the broader submarine initiative.
Timeline
2017‑2021 – The United States under the Trump administration builds momentum for Seoul’s nuclear‑submarine ambition, creating a diplomatic backdrop that later enables fuel‑access talks [1][2].
Dec 18, 2025 – South Korea’s defense ministry briefs President Lee Jae Myung and declares it will open negotiations with the United States to obtain nuclear fuel for a home‑grown nuclear‑powered submarine fleet, targeting completion of the talks within two years [1][2].
2026 (next year) – The ministry will draft a detailed blueprint covering development principles, construction plans and a non‑proliferation stance, and it will seek certification of full operational capability at the upcoming Security Consultative Meeting [1][2].
Nov 2026 – Seoul plans to finish the second stage of a three‑stage assessment of its ability to lead allied forces, presenting the results at the annual defense chiefs’ meeting and accelerating the wartime operational‑control (OPCON) transfer schedule [1][2].
2030 – South Korea aims to retake full wartime operational control from the United States, marking a strategic shift in command of allied forces on the Korean Peninsula [1][2].