Defense Reform Task Force Holds First Meeting: "Basic Plan for Defense Reform to Be Established by June Next Year"

Presided Over by Vice Minister of National Defense Lee Doohee

The Ministry of National Defense will begin full-scale efforts to establish the new administration’s “Basic Plan for Defense Reform,” aiming for completion by mid-next year.

On the 17th, the Ministry announced that Vice Minister Lee Doohee presided over the “Defense Reform Task Force Kickoff Meeting” at the ministry’s headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The Defense Reform Task Force is an operational body responsible for formulating the Basic Plan for Defense Reform, led by the Vice Minister of National Defense as the head and the Director of Defense Innovation Planning as the secretary.

This meeting, held in accordance with the “Defense Reform Act,” was the first working session to establish the Basic Plan for Defense Reform under the Lee Jaemyung administration. Attendees included key directors and bureau chiefs from the Ministry of National Defense, the Director of Strategic Planning from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, relevant department heads, representatives from each branch of the military and the Marine Corps, as well as officials from defense research institutions.

Vice Minister Lee stated, “Today’s meeting marks the meaningful beginning of a new defense reform that proactively responds to challenges such as the demographic cliff, changes in the security environment, and advancements in science and technology.” He added, “The new Basic Plan for Defense Reform must simultaneously address current and future needs by restructuring the military based on advanced science and technology, improving the defense management system, and enhancing military culture. We must focus all of our defense capabilities to ensure tangible results that the public can truly feel.”

During the meeting, participants reached a consensus on the necessity of a new defense reform as an extraordinary measure to foster a “strong military.” They discussed overcoming challenges such as the severity of the security environment and the decline in military manpower resources, while leveraging the opportunity to apply advanced scientific technologies to defense. Opinions were exchanged on establishing new reform plans in areas such as military structure reorganization, advancement of the defense management system, and improvement of military culture, all with the goal of cultivating a smart, powerful military based on artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge science and technology.

In particular, attendees discussed: ▲ advancing new defense reforms based on the fundamental principles of defense reform ▲ preparing a military restructuring plan targeting 2040 ▲ accelerating military innovation through the use of advanced science and technology ▲ enacting and amending laws and securing budgets to ensure momentum for defense reform ▲ securing public understanding and support. They also addressed the overall direction for defense reform, key areas of focus by reform sector, and reform tasks currently under review by each department.

Going forward, the Ministry of National Defense plans to operate the Defense Reform Task Force through the end of the year, conducting in-depth discussions by subcommittee, coordinating with related ministries, and consulting with academia and research institutions. The goal is to establish the next Basic Plan for Defense Reform by mid-next year. Vice Minister Lee emphasized, “The launch of the Defense Reform Task Force is not merely the start of a new organization, but a critical starting point for shaping the future direction of national defense. We will do our utmost to deliver defense reform outcomes that reflect the voices of the people and earn their support.”