Micah Jonah
January 26, 2026
The United States and South Korea have agreed to strengthen cooperation on Seoul’s pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine, officials said on Monday, in a move aimed at boosting the security alliance, enhancing South Korea’s defence capabilities.
The agreement followed discussions between U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby and South Korean Defence Minister, Ahn Gyu-back during Colby’s first overseas trip in the post. The talks signal Washington’s expectation for Seoul to take a more prominent role in deterring North Korea.
In a statement, the South Korean defence ministry said both sides viewed collaboration on a nuclear-powered submarine as a strategic step that would enhance South Korea’s leadership in defending the peninsula, strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
Minister Ahn also pressed for faster progress on the transfer of wartime operational control to Seoul, called for closer coordination on alliance follow-up measures. Colby described South Korea as a “model ally” committed to increasing defence spending in line with U.S. regional strategy.
Currently, South Korea hosts about 28,500 U.S. troops, pledged last year to raise defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, a move praised by Colby and other U.S. officials as strengthening Seoul’s role in deterring North Korean aggression.
Colby is expected to continue his Asian tour with a visit to Japan, underscoring Washington’s commitment to regional security coordination amid ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
