Archive · 29 Oct 2025
South Korea Seeks Nuclear Submarine Fuel from US
The leader of South Korea, President Lee Jae Myung, spoke with the leader of the United States, President Donald Trump.
President Lee asked if the U.S. would share special fuel that helps submarines run on nuclear power.
He explained that South Korea wants this fuel not to build nuclear weapons, but to make their submarines better at staying underwater.
This would help them track other submarines from countries like North Korea and China more effectively, because their current diesel submarines can't stay submerged for as long.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung asked U.S. President Donald Trump for nuclear submarine fuel.
The request was made during talks in Gyeongju, South Korea.
President Lee stated the fuel is for nuclear-propelled submarines, not nuclear-armed ones.
The aim is to enhance tracking capabilities for North Korean and Chinese submarines.
This is due to the limitations of diesel submarines in submerged navigation.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- What
- Requested fuel for nuclear-powered submarines from U.S. President Donald Trump
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Gyeongju, South Korea
- Why
- To improve tracking capabilities of North Korean or Chinese submarines, as diesel submarines have limitations in submerged navigation.
- President of South Korea
- Lee Jae Myung
- President of the United States
- Donald Trump
- Location of meeting
- Gyeongju, South Korea
- Date of request
- Wednesday