The chief of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has said the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) in South Korea could be considered in the future depending on its operational analysis, the presidential office said Sunday.
“From the standpoint of submarine warfare, I think it’s important as allies and partners to find the most efficient and effective ways to combine our capabilities in ways that most effectively defend our alliances and partnerships,” Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo said during an interview with the Korean press Thursday on the runway of the Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii.
“And if the operational analysis leads us to believe that, then we can move forward at a later date,” he added.
Paparo, however, stressed he has no further comment on the issue at this time.
“But I do have a comment that as equal partners and highly technical countries, we have to approach this from the standpoint as equals,” he said.
The debate over whether South Korea should possess SSNs has gained traction in recent years as North Korea has been doubling down on its pursuit of stronger naval capabilities, including underwater attack drones and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/07/205_378635.html
