Seoul: The defense ministry has reaffirmed its intent to establish a timeline for the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States by the end of the year. This initiative is expected to progress through the upcoming combined exercise with the U.S. later this month. In a recent policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung, the ministry emphasized its commitment to achieving this goal before the end of President Lee's term in 2030 or before U.S. President Donald Trump's term concludes in January 2029.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the allies are currently in the second phase of the three-phase OPCON transition plan, which involves verifying their "full operational capability" (FOC). South Korea aims to complete the FOC certification and announce the target year for the transition at the annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) between the defense chiefs this fall. Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee expressed determination to ensure that the SCM serves as a historic turning point for the OPCON transition.
A senior official from the defense ministry noted that the upcoming bilateral military exercise with the U.S. will be crucial in assessing the tasks required for the OPCON transition. The Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) drills, held every August, play a vital role in reinforcing the allies' defense posture and addressing regional threats, particularly from North Korea. These exercises are also essential for evaluating the combined capabilities necessary for the OPCON transition.
The OPCON transition plan, agreed upon in October 2014, is based on three conditions: South Korea's capability to lead future combined Korea-U.S. forces, adequate strike and air defense capabilities to counter North Korea, and a regional security environment conducive to the handover. However, differences have emerged between Seoul and Washington regarding the timing of the transition, with U.S. Forces Korea emphasizing military readiness over political considerations.
The ministry is also focused on establishing the remaining component commands under the future Combined Forces Command over the next two years as part of the OPCON transition. Additionally, the ministry is committed to advancing South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine project. It aims to create the domestic legal framework for building the vessels in collaboration with the U.S. by 2027, including acquiring nuclear fuel and establishing a management framework with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Seoul and Washington have been working together since last October to facilitate South Korea's development of nuclear-powered submarines and secure rights for uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes. Progress has been slow, with bilateral talks beginning in June. The ministry plans to introduce legislation for the Jang Bogo N project to build at least three conventionally armed nuclear-propelled attack submarines by the mid-2030s, pending approval from Washington.