East Asia is seeing a big change in security plans. South Korea and the United States want to make a new agreement. This deal is about nuclear-powered submarines for South Korea. In late 2025, leaders from both countries said they want a special agreement only for this purpose. Many experts call this plan the “Philly Doctrine.” It shows that the alliance is changing from only military support to sharing technology and industry.
This idea started after a meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. They agreed to work closer on navy defense. The two countries want a new legal agreement so they do not have to follow the old “123 Agreement,” which is only for civilian nuclear power. The new deal would allow South Korea to use nuclear power for submarines while still following global nuclear safety rules.
The Legal Blueprint: Adopting the AUKUS Model
The new deal may follow the same model used by Australia under the AUKUS agreement. South Korea plans to use Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act. Australia used this law to get nuclear submarine technology without breaking nuclear rules.
South Korea’s National Security Adviser, Wi Sung-lac, said this method works best. During his visit to Washington, he met U.S. officials and explained South Korea’s plan. He said a special agreement is the fastest way to build nuclear submarines. Talks will cover fuel use, waste handling, and how the nuclear engines will work.
Strategic Objectives and Regional Deterrence
South Korea wants nuclear submarines because they are much stronger than regular submarines. Normal submarines must come close to the surface to recharge, which makes them easy to find. Nuclear submarines can stay underwater for months without stopping.
These submarines help South Korea watch North Korea’s missile submarines. They also help track ships in the East and South China Seas. Nuclear submarines can move faster and farther, so they can respond quickly in emergencies. As North Korea improves its missiles and China builds more ships, South Korea believes nuclear submarines are very important. They help protect the country and make the U.S.-South Korea alliance stronger.
Technical Safeguards and Non-Proliferation
South Korea has promised to follow nuclear safety rules. It plans to use low-enriched uranium for its submarines. This fuel is less dangerous than weapons-grade uranium used by some other countries.
Using this type of fuel allows South Korea to follow international rules set by the IAEA. The deal will include strong checks to make sure the nuclear technology is only used for submarines. South Korea wants to show the world that it is a responsible country and does not plan to build nuclear weapons.
The “Philly Doctrine”: An Industrial Win-Win
This deal also helps the U.S. economy. President Trump said that U.S. shipyards will help build South Korea’s submarines. One key location is the Philadelphia Shipyard, which is owned by a South Korean company.
South Korea has also promised to invest about $350 billion in the U.S. This plan helps both sides. South Korea gets advanced submarines, and the U.S. gets jobs and stronger shipbuilding industries. This mix of defense and business is called the “Philly Doctrine.”
Future Outlook and Implementation Timeline
Talks between experts from both countries will begin in early 2026. They hope to finish the legal agreement within two years. However, building a nuclear submarine takes a long time. Experts say it may take ten years before the first submarine is ready.
Until then, both countries are setting up special teams to manage the project. When the plan is complete, it will change naval power in East Asia. It will also make the U.S.-South Korea alliance stronger and help keep the region stable.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.