South Korea and the U.S. will conduct the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise from Aug 17-27 to bolster joint defense readiness against North Korea, amid preparations for Seoul's retaking of wartime command from Washington.
South Korea's defense ministry plans to establish an integrated military academy by 2036 to prepare officers for the post-OPCON transfer era, facing opposition from alumni and political parties, while discussing the OPCON timeline with the U.S.
A senior US diplomat stated the US is focused on meeting conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea as soon as possible, understanding Seoul's desire for a swift transition. The transfer is conditions-based, requiring Seoul to meet specific military and environmental criteria.
A senior US diplomat stated the US is focused on ensuring conditions for South Korea's wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer are met "as soon as possible," understanding Seoul's desire for a swift transition. The transfer is conditions-based, requiring Seoul to lead combined forces, possess strong strike and air defense capabilities, and a conducive regional environment.
The US Senate's defense bill includes provisions for enhanced congressional oversight of the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. This move reflects concerns in Washington that the transfer might be driven by political expediency rather than military readiness, amid a precarious security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
The U.S. Senate's move to tighten oversight on OPCON transfer to South Korea sparks debate. While ensuring military readiness is crucial amid regional threats, excessive scrutiny could hinder the necessary evolution of the alliance and erode trust.
South Korea's Defense Ministry is actively explaining the nation's readiness for wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer to the US Congress, following the inclusion of enhanced congressional oversight provisions in the proposed US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The ministry emphasizes that the transfer will strengthen the combined defense posture.
A Senate version of the U.S. defense bill for fiscal year 2027 includes a provision requiring the defense secretary to report on the road map for transferring wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. The reports are to be provided to Congress every 90 days through 2030.
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that a proposal for the target year to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from the US will be presented to both presidents by year-end. Discussions on verifying full operational capability (FOC) are ongoing.
Former US diplomat Kathleen Stephens stated that the planned transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea will not signal the end of the bilateral alliance. She expressed confidence that Seoul and Washington can manage the transition, which aims to modernize their security partnership amid evolving regional threats.
A former US diplomat, Kathleen Stephens, stated that the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea will not signify the end of the bilateral alliance. She believes the transition can be managed effectively, fostering greater trust and confidence between Seoul and Washington, despite concerns about potential weakening of the security partnership.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung directs officials to expedite the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines and the transfer of wartime operational control from the U.S., citing the need to enhance self-defense amid North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile threats.
South Korea and the US are close to an agreement on the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), with a senior official calling it a "political decision." While Seoul aims for an early transfer within President Lee Jae Myung's term, potentially by 2028, the US reportedly favors a more cautious timeline. A roadmap is expected in the second half of the year.
South Korea is pushing for a top-level political decision to expedite the transfer of wartime Operational Control (OPCON) from the US, amid differing views on the timing, with Seoul targeting 2028 and the US favoring a more cautious approach, potentially by 2029.
South Korea and the U.S. agreed to deepen cooperation for shared security goals amid differing views on the timeline for Seoul's retake of wartime command (OPCON) from Washington, with South Korea aiming for 2028 and the U.S. targeting no later than Q1 2029.
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SEOUL/WASHINGTON, May 11 (Yonhap) -- The top defense chiefs of South Korea and t...
SEOUL, May 11 (Yonhap) -- The top defense chiefs of South Korea and the United S...
INCHEON, May 10 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Sunday that South...
Expert says OPCON transfer to South Korea won't weaken alliance, citing US pledge of enduring defense capabilities, mutual defense treaty, and 28,500 US troops on peninsula. South Korea seeks wartime OPCON by 2030, with target of Q1 2029 to meet conditions.
South Korea's defense ministry said Thursday that a timeline for handing over wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States will be set at this year's Security Consultative Meeting and proposed to the leaders of both countries. The announcement follows USFK commander Gen. Xavier Brunson's statement that allies aim to meet conditions for the OPCON transfer no later than Q1 2029. Seoul is seeking to complete the transfer within President Lee Jae Myung's term ending in 2030.
WASHINGTON, April 22 (Yonhap) -- The top U.S. general in South Korea said Wednes...
WASHINGTON, April 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States aim to meet c...
U.S. General Paul Brunson, the top U.S. commander in South Korea, said Wednesday that a roadmap has been delivered to the Pentagon for transferring wartime operational control (OPCON) to Seoul by the second quarter of fiscal year 2029. The conditions-based transition requires South Korea to demonstrate capabilities to lead combined Korea-U.S. forces, maintain strike and air defense capabilities, and ensure a conducive regional security environment.
