▲ Ministry of National Defense
- Ministry of National Defense: "Talking with US on OPCON transition through various channels... Will also conduct some evaluations during UFS"
- Policy briefing: "Complete roadmap this year... Target year for transition can be decided at SCM"
- "Phase 1 adjustment of troop size in 2030... Total defense personnel to reach 500,000 level by 2040"
The South Korean government, which is accelerating the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON), has reaffirmed its plan to create a "historic turning point" by deciding on the timing of the transition at this year's South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM).
The ministry also plans to carry out partial evaluations regarding the fulfillment of conditions for the OPCON transition during this month's regular joint South Korea-U.S. military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS).
During a policy briefing for foreign affairs and national security ministries held at the presidential office on the morning of the 5th, the Ministry of National Defense reported that it will concentrate its defense capabilities in the second half of the year to complete the roadmap for OPCON recovery this year, and push for the verification of the Future Combined Forces Command's Full Operational Capability (FOC) and the decision on the timing of OPCON recovery at this year's SCM.
In connection with this, Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee met with reporters yesterday and emphasized, "We will strive to create a historic and epoch-making turning point where the FOC verification and the timing of OPCON recovery are decided at the SCM."
A high-ranking official from the Ministry of National Defense explained, "FOC verification will be conducted this year through the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises, and the results will be reported to the SCM. Because tasks for the OPCON transition are continuously being evaluated, such evaluations will also take place during this UFS exercise."
The government has pursued a plan in which the results of the Future CFC FOC verification are reported to the SCM in the fall of this year, and upon approval by the defense chiefs of both countries, a recommendation for the target year of the OPCON transition is made to the heads of state of both nations.
The three conditions required for the OPCON transition are: first, the necessary military capabilities to lead the combined defense; second, the alliance's comprehensive capabilities to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats; and third, the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the region conducive to a stable OPCON transition.
To complete the FOC verification, it must be determined that a certain level or higher has been achieved in capability assessments regarding the first and second conditions.
The government explained that these capability assessments may be partially conducted during this month's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise period.
However, the position of U.S. Forces Korea, which takes a conservative stance on whether South Korea has met the conditions for the OPCON transition, remains a task to be overcome.
A high-ranking Ministry of National Defense official emphasized, "Talks are underway with the U.S. through various channels regarding OPCON, and we believe that deciding on 'Year X' is possible at this SCM."
The government will also continue to pursue the institutionalization of the constituent service components of the Combined Command, four of which have already been completed out of six.
The goal is to complete the institutionalization of the Combined Special Operations Component Command this year, followed by the final remaining Combined Cyber Component Command next year.
In addition, a comprehensive implementation plan—an independent document containing tasks for the South Korean military to acquire the capability to lead combined defense—was published this year.
The Ministry of National Defense also stated that it will swiftly pursue related tasks, such as enacting a special act within the year for the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine.
It plans to establish the legal and institutional foundation for full-scale project implementation by next year.
Furthermore, the ministry stated that it will expand and supplement independent deterrence capabilities through the reinforcement of core assets, such as expanding high-power missiles and mass-producing the Korean fighter jet KF-21.
To reorganize the Marine Corps into a "quasi-four-service system," which is one of the national policy tasks, the ministry plans to complete the revision of the Organization Act of the Armed Forces within the year to establish a legal foundation.
Meanwhile, through the new basic defense reform plan currently being formulated, the Ministry of National Defense also plans to unveil a military structure reorganization plan responding to the decrease in military manpower resources and changes in future warfare patterns.
Another Ministry of National Defense official said, "The reorganization plan is likely to be finalized around autumn."
A reorganization plan spanning three stages—2030, 2035, and 2040—is currently being established. By 2040, the plan envisions adjusting the total defense personnel size, a concept combining active-duty soldiers, civilian defense employees, civilian personnel, and standing reserves, from the current 560,000 to the 500,000 level.
To ensure a gradual structural change that minimizes shocks, the plan is to partially adjust troop sizes alongside the enhancement of cutting-edge capabilities even in the first stage by 2030.
Additionally, to secure high-performing personnel, the ministry is pursuing plans to step-by-step increase the annual salaries of junior officers to the level of mid-sized companies in similar job groups and experience tiers.
Specifically, the goal is to raise annual salaries by 2029 to approximately 40 million won for a sergeant first class (sub-grade 1), 50 million won for a master sergeant, and 72 million won for a sergeant major.
In addition, the ministry emphasized that it will finalize the final relocation site for the Gwangju military airport—where a semiconductor cluster in the Honam region will be established—within the year to swiftly support the government's mega-project.
Currently, Muan County has been selected as the preliminary relocation candidate site for the Gwangju military airport.
The plan is to specifically present support measures for Muan County, designate it as a relocation candidate site this month, and complete the selection of the final relocation site within the year through public hearings and resident referendums.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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