South Korea’s Defence Minister, Ahn Gyu-back, visited the Capital Defence Command in Seoul to assess military readiness for air defense and counterterrorism. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the core mission to regain public trust, especially after recent events. Ahn also inspected the Joint Air Defence Operations Center and an anti-terrorism unit, stressing the need for preparedness against potential threats.
Ahn reiterated South Korea’s commitment to regaining wartime operational control of its troops from the United States. He aims to accelerate efforts for the planned transfer within President Lee Jae Myung’s term ending in 2030. The Defence Minister highlighted 2026 as a crucial year for the restoration of wartime operational control, emphasizing the strengthening of military readiness through the OPCON transfer.
The ministry plans to develop a roadmap for the OPCON transfer by April and verify Seoul’s Full Operational Capability by October. The actual transfer timing will be determined after approval from the defense ministers of South Korea and the US at their next Security Consultative Meeting in October. Seoul’s progress in the assessment required for the transfer is on track, with quarterly progress assessment meetings planned to ensure completion of the verification process this year.
