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Nuclear submarines are silent giants of the seas, capable of patrolling the oceans with unparalleled power. But what makes them so special? And why did the United States give South Korea an ultimatum about these submarines?
A nuclear submarine, an innovation from the United States, is a vessel equipped with a nuclear reactor, which provides energy to propel the submarine and operate all of its functions. on-board systems, including electronics, life systems and weapons. What differentiates a nuclear submarine from conventional ones is the nuclear reactor, which allows the submarine to operate for long periods without the need for refueling, unlike diesel-electric submarines.
With growing threats from North Korea, the nuclear submarine project is essential to South Korea's defense. However, South Korea relied on the United States' help to develop these submarines. Something changed, and the United States issued an ultimatum that ended South Korea's hopes.
During a security summit in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ruled out the possibility of including South Korea in the AUKUS agreement.
The Pentagon has stated that given AUKUS commitments to Australia, the United States would be unlikely to help South Korea build nuclear submarines at this time. Asked how he would respond to a direct request from South Korea, Austin said it would be “very, very difficult” to accommodate this demand beyond what is already being done. He mentioned that AUKUS is a good addition to regional security.
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In 2021, the United States signed the AUKUS pact with the United Kingdom and Australia to share nuclear submarine technology and sell at least three Virginia-class submarines to Australia in the 2030s. South Korea has expressed interest in becoming involved in the project, but the United States' priority is to neutralize China's growing power in the Asia-Pacific region.
This security pact in two stages This is the first time that Washington has shared nuclear propulsion technology since it did so with the United Kingdom in the 1950s. The United States' decision not to include South Korea in AUKUS could have significant impacts on regional security and the relationship between the two countries.
