South Korea's defence chief pushes for local manufacture of nuclear-powered submarines

Ahn added that Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania, where US President Donald Trump had suggested that the ROKN SSNs be built, is lacking in the necessary facilities, technology, and personnel.

The minister clarified that there have yet been no discussions on the shipyard to be selected for the submarines' construction.

Ahn also said during the session that the SSNs would be officially designated as "nuclear-powered submarines" to emphasise their "peaceful use," as he believes the term "nuclear submarines" might lead people to mistakenly associate the vessels with nuclear weapons.