South Korea could introduce its own nuclear submarine in the future if Seoul and Washington deem it necessary to counter North Korean threats, according to the commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific, while stressing that it’s not necessary now.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, made the remarks to ROK reporters after President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the command’s headquarters in Hawaii last week, the presidential office belatedly confirmed on Monday.

“From the standpoint of submarine warfare, I think it’s important as allies and partners to find the most efficient and effective ways to combine our capabilities