“We agreed that these investments would accelerate South Korea’s ability to strengthen its conventional deterrence and defence against North Korea,” Hegseth said. “We also agreed to demonstrate the ability to maintain and repair US warships here in Korea.”

Reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Seoul, he added, “We are focused on standing by our allies here and ensuring the threat of the DPRK is not a threat to the Republic of Korea. We face a dangerous security environment , but our alliance is stronger than ever — 72 years strong.”

South Korea has long sought to pursue a nuclear-powered submarine project, but progress has stalled as Seoul awaited U.S. reactor fuel supply and approval for propulsion technology transfer.