Gyeryongdae: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced that South Korea intends to reclaim wartime operational control of its troops from the United States once the planned transition is completed. Lee made these remarks during a speech commemorating the 77th Armed Forces Day at the Gyeryongdae military headquarters.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Lee emphasized South Korea's commitment to leading a joint defense posture with the United States by regaining operational control, which is currently under the command of the top US military leader in South Korea. This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the Republic of Korea's military autonomy and reinforcing the ROK-US alliance. The wartime command has been under US control since the Korean War (1950-53) and was transferred to the Combined Forces Command in 1978.
Defense officials from both nations have been reviewing the conditions required for the transfer, which include South Korea's capability to lead combined forces and bolster strike and air defense capabilities. The transition has been a longstanding issue, influenced by North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
President Lee highlighted the strength of South Korea's defense, stating that the nation is among the world's top five military powers. He also noted the country's significant defense spending compared to North Korea. Lee reaffirmed South Korea's strong international alliances and the reliability of its nuclear deterrent.
In support of these defense initiatives, the government plans to allocate KRW 66.3 trillion (USD 47.6 billion) for defense in 2026, marking an 8.2 percent increase from this year. The investment will focus on advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics.