WASHINGTON – Dov S. Zakheim, a former Pentagon official, expressed opposition to South Korea acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, citing various challenges and potential ramifications. In a media contribution piece published on Friday by The Hill, a U.S. media outlet, Zakheim discussed the ongoing debate in South Korea regarding the possession of such military assets.
According to Yonhap News Agency, who served as undersecretary of defense from 2001 to 2004, the debate in South Korea has intensified as North Korea enhances its naval capabilities, including the development of underwater attack drones and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. However, the nuclear pact between Seoul and Washington limits the use of nuclear materials for military purposes.
Zakheim highlighted the agreement reached in April between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden. This agreement includes the formation of the Nuclear Consultative Group and a commitment from the United States for an enhanced nuclear presence around the Korean Peninsula. Zakheim cautioned that any attempt by South Korea to deviate from its commitment to use nuclear efforts solely for civilian purposes could undermine the spirit of the Biden-Yoon agreement and potentially cause a rift between the two countries, benefitting only North Korea.
Additionally, Zakheim outlined the high costs associated with a new submarine program. He estimated that building at least three vessels to ensure one is always operational would cost over $10 billion, including logistics support. Moreover, for South Korea to maintain a credible fleet with two submarines constantly on station, both the number of vessels and their costs would need to double, raising questions about the feasibility of such a significant increase in defense spending.
Operational considerations were also mentioned by Zakheim, who noted that the relatively shallow waters around the Korean Peninsula favor the use of quieter conventional submarines.
The topic of nuclear-powered submarines was recently addressed by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman-nominee, Admiral Kim Myung-soo, during a confirmation hearing. Admiral Kim acknowledged the potential utility of nuclear-powered submarines but emphasized the need for careful consideration.
Zakheim currently serves as a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and is the vice chairman of the board at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.