Trump Announces Major Defense Deal with South Korea for Nuclear Submarine Construction

US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with South Korea on October 29 via his Truth Social platform, under which Seoul will construct a nuclear submarine for the United States instead of “old-fashioned diesel submarines.” The deal includes a $350 billion payment from South Korea to reduce tariffs, along with purchases of significant oil and gas quantities and over $600 billion in investments into the American economy. Trump emphasized that the military alliance between the two nations has strengthened “more than ever before,” highlighting the nuclear submarine project as a critical step to enhance regional defense capabilities and improve fleet maneuverability compared to existing diesel submarines.