South Korea Pushes Nuclear Submarines as U.S. Backs Wartime Command Transfer
Updated (4 articles)
Seoul‑Washington Talks Confirm Submarine and Command Priorities On 26 January 2026 South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back met U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby in Seoul to review the nuclear‑powered submarine program and the transfer of wartime operational control of South Korean forces [1][2][3]. Both officials cited a joint fact sheet from the 2025 leaders’ summit and a recent Security Consultative Meeting, describing the alliance as reaching a historic turning point. They agreed to pursue concrete defense‑cooperation results within the year.
U.S. Under Secretary Affirms Model‑Ally Support Colby praised South Korea as a “model ally” and pledged continued U.S. backing for the submarine acquisition, calling it a milestone for alliance integration [1][2][3]. He referenced the Pentagon’s newly released National Defense Strategy, which assigns Seoul primary responsibility for deterring North Korea while the United States provides “critical but more limited” support. The strategy frames a larger Korean role in countering both conventional and strategic threats.
Foreign Minister Links Submarines to Alliance Deterrence In a separate breakfast meeting, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun reiterated that nuclear‑powered submarines will strengthen deterrence and deepen the U.S.–South Korea alliance [4]. Cho urged rapid implementation through working‑level talks and highlighted the same National Defense Strategy as the policy backdrop. He emphasized that the submarine push aligns with the broader goal of regional stability.
Camp Humphreys Visit Highlights Command Transfer Dialogue After the ministerial talks, Colby toured Camp Humphreys, met National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac, and discussed the pending transfer of wartime command authority [1]. The visit underscored Washington’s willingness to coordinate on operational‑control issues while preparing for his scheduled trip to Japan.
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: South Korea and U.S. Discuss Nuclear Submarines, Wartime Troop Control: reports Defense Minister Ahn’s meeting with Colby, joint fact sheet, historic turning point, deeper cooperation, and Camp Humphreys tour
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2.
Yonhap: South Korea and U.S. Discuss Nuclear Submarines and Troop‑Control Transfer: repeats meeting details, stresses alliance turning point, and notes Colby’s itinerary to Japan
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3.
Yonhap: South Korean Defense Minister and U.S. Under Secretary Discuss Nuclear Submarines and Troop Control: highlights agenda, alliance shift, and National Defense Strategy framing
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4.
Yonhap: South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Push Tied to U.S. Alliance, Says FM Cho: focuses on Foreign Minister Cho’s deterrence argument, calls for working‑level talks, and links to the new strategy
Timeline
Mar 4, 2025 – Elbridge Colby appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation as the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, a step that positions him to shape the next phase of the U.S.–South Korea alliance[4].
2025 – The U.S. and South Korean leaders hold a summit that produces a joint fact sheet outlining deeper security cooperation, including Seoul’s plan to acquire nuclear‑powered submarines and a roadmap for greater Korean‑led defense responsibilities[1][2][3][4].
Jan 2026 (early) – The Pentagon releases a new National Defense Strategy, stating that South Korea can take “primary” responsibility for deterring North Korea with “critical but more limited” U.S. support, thereby setting expectations for a larger Korean role in regional security[1][2][3][4].
Jan 2026 (early) – A Security Consultative Meeting between the two allies frames the partnership as being at a “historic turning point” and lays out concrete goals for joint projects such as the nuclear‑submarine program[1][2][3].
Jan 26, 2026 – Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back meets U.S. Under Secretary Elbridge Colby at the South Korean defense ministry, urging “tangible defense‑cooperation results this year,” pressing for U.S. backing of Seoul’s nuclear‑submarine push, and demanding the return of wartime operational control of Korean forces[1][2][3].
Jan 26, 2026 – Foreign Minister Cho Hyun holds a breakfast with Colby, stressing that nuclear‑powered submarines will “boost South Korea’s deterrence” and calling the United States a “model ally” that will help implement summit agreements[4].
Jan 26, 2026 – After the ministerial talks, Colby meets National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac, tours Camp Humphreys, and is photographed by U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, who posts on X, “Great discussion on defense strategy and integrated deterrence”[1].
Jan 27, 2026 (planned) – Colby departs Seoul for Japan following his Camp Humphreys visit, continuing the week’s high‑level diplomatic itinerary in the region[1][2].
2026 (ongoing) – Both governments pledge to move forward with working‑level talks this year to finalize the nuclear‑submarine acquisition and to transfer wartime operational command to South Korea, signaling a concrete shift toward a Korea‑led defense posture[1][4].