SEOUL, South Korea: A United States nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Missouri (SSN-780), has docked in South Korea, according to the country’s defence ministry.
The Virginia-class attack submarine entered the naval base in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, signaling a move to strengthen naval exchanges and cooperation between South Korea and the United States.
The arrival of the USS Missouri follows the recent deployment of another US submarine, the USS Santa Fe (SSN-763), to the Jeju Naval Base in the southern resort island of Jeju.
The strategic deployment comes amid rising concerns about North Korea’s intentions, particularly the possibility of the regime launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) later this month.
Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo raised this concern during a meeting in Washington for the Nuclear Consultative Group, a forum focused on South Korea-U.S. security matters, including nuclear and strategic planning.
North Korea’s last test-fire of a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM occurred in July, raising tensions in the region. The presence of the US submarine in South Korean waters adds a layer of deterrence and underscores the joint defence posture between the two nations.
The situation is being closely monitored as diplomatic efforts continue to address the challenges posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
