South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back urged front-line troops to maintain an immediate combat readiness posture following the relief of a corps commander whose unit allowed soldiers to guard with unloaded weapons.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Army, Navy, and Air Force academy alumni associations in Seoul to discuss the government's contested plan to integrate the institutions into a single National Military Academy.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back ordered a special inspection of military discipline after errors including unloaded rifles and near-shootdowns of allied drones heightened concerns over South Korea's defense readiness.
Defence Minister Ahn faces allegations of desertion due to a discrepancy in his military service record, showing 22 months instead of the usual 14. Ahn and the Ministry of National Defence deny the claims, attributing it to administrative errors.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back is advocating for a unified National Military Academy, aiming to integrate Army, Navy, and Air Force training to foster all-domain warfare capabilities and break down inter-service "silos." The proposal faces strong opposition from the armed services and alumni associations, who argue it risks undermining specialized training and long-term military competitiveness.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back defended the government's plan to merge military academies, calling it a "fundamental reform" to pool future cadets amid declining admissions and changing trends. He emphasized the need for "jointness" and advanced training, including in AI.
South Korea plans to train all 500,000 military personnel as "drone warriors" to counter evolving warfare tactics, citing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The initiative includes procuring thousands of drones and developing advanced counter-drone systems.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visited the Air Force Academy in Cheongju to discuss fostering cadets for future aerospace warfare. The visit comes as the government considers integrating military academies to improve interoperability and address personnel shortages.
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized the need for a military overhaul by 2040, including expanded AI use and manned-unmanned teaming systems, to address future warfare and declining manpower.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Canadian counterpart David McGuinty discussed expanding bilateral defense ties, including South Korea's bid for Canada's submarine procurement project. They reaffirmed commitment to Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
South Korea's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines is deemed a strategic imperative despite high costs and diplomatic concerns, offering enhanced deterrence and technological advancement in a volatile Northeast Asian security landscape.
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back pledged full technical assistance to investigate a fatal explosion at a Hanwha Aerospace factory in Daejeon that killed five and injured two. The ministry will work with DAPA to determine the cause and implement safety measures.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral defense cooperation. They agreed to accelerate cooperation based on a strategic partnership and continue arms cooperation, including K9 howitzer exports.
South Korea was reviewing a phased contribution to efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said on Wednesday, signalling support steps short of military participation. Ahn told a press conference with South Korean reporters in Washington that he had conveyed Seoul’s position at a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Monday. “We said at about this level that, fundamentally, we will participate as a responsible member of the...
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back requests U.S. Navy support for acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, citing shared security interests and strong shipbuilding capabilities, as part of a joint summit agreement.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced Seoul will review making phased contributions to the U.S. initiative to restore safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, following discussions with U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth.
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced plans to review phased contributions to the US initiative for safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, following discussions with US counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced a review of potential phased contributions to the U.S.-led initiative in the Strait of Hormuz after discussions with U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
INCHEON, May 10 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Sunday that South...
SEOUL, May 9 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back will visit the United Sta...
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back inspected a special unit guarding the outskirts of Cheong Wa Dae, emphasizing the need for heightened surveillance and readiness against emerging threats like drones and unmanned aircraft.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Latvian Parliament Speaker Daiga Mierina, expressing hope for expanded defense industry cooperation, particularly in drones and anti-drone systems.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Wednesday denied media reports that USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson protested over Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's disclosure of classified information about a hidden North Korean nuclear facility in the Kusong region. Ahn said there have been no limitations in U.S. intelligence-sharing with Seoul regarding North Korea and that it would be inappropriate for the USFK commander to have lodged such a protest.
