Comprehensive Security Cooperation Discussed at SCM
Joint Statement to Be Released After South Korea-U.S. Trade and Security Consultations
The defense ministers of South Korea and the United States discussed major security issues-including South Korea’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), and an increase in defense spending-at the 57th South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held in Seoul. Both countries agreed to strengthen the strategic cooperation of the alliance, while also accelerating progress on practical tasks such as meeting the conditions for OPCON transfer, increasing defense cost-sharing, and expanding defense industry collaboration.
Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attended the meeting, which took place on November 4 at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul. The two sides agreed to concretize South Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered submarines, which was approved by U.S. President Donald Trump during the South Korea-U.S. summit on October 29.
At a press conference, Secretary Hegseth stated, “I reaffirm that this was approved by President Trump,” adding, “The U.S. Department of Defense will actively support South Korea’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines in cooperation with the State Department, the Department of Energy, and others.”
He noted, “South Korea possesses world-class technological capabilities in shipbuilding,” and expressed agreement on expanding cooperation not only in submarines, but also in surface vessels and ground equipment.
The Ministry of National Defense plans to launch a pan-government task force-including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Science and ICT-to address challenges such as large submarine design, small reactor development, and securing enriched uranium, and to promote the project as a national initiative.
The government aims to begin construction in the late 2020s, with the goal of launching the first vessel in the mid- to late 2030s.
Both sides agreed to accelerate the process for OPCON transfer. The transfer involves three stages: Initial Operational Capability (IOC), Full Operational Capability (FOC), and Full Mission Capability (FMC). South Korea has already completed the FOC assessment, and discussions were held on finalizing verification by next year.
Secretary Hegseth stated, “South Korea will take the lead in conventional defense, while the United States will provide a nuclear umbrella through extended deterrence,” adding, “It is also important to ensure flexibility so that U.S. Forces Korea can respond to regional contingencies.”
This is interpreted as a clear division of roles between the two countries, and as an adjustment with the long-term goal of OPCON transfer in mind.
Minister Ahn stated, “South Korea and the United States discussed ways to respond to the future security environment based on mutual trust and to strengthen practical defense posture,” emphasizing, “South Korea has no plans whatsoever to possess nuclear weapons.”
He added, “As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), South Korea maintains its commitment to denuclearization,” and said, “Instead of nuclear weapons, we will establish a Combined Nuclear and Conventional Integration (CNI) system with the United States.”
The SCM also addressed the issue of increasing defense spending, which the Trump administration has requested of its allies.
Minister Ahn explained the government’s policy to raise defense spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), while Secretary Hegseth said he was encouraged by South Korea’s efforts to strengthen essential capabilities such as missile and cyber investments.
The two countries also agreed to expand the scope of defense industry cooperation from maritime to ground equipment and defense science and technology.
Secretary Hegseth stated, “South Korea’s shipbuilding technology is world-class, and the United States will strengthen cooperation not only in submarines, but also in warships, ground equipment, and other areas.”
Unlike previous years, the joint statement for the SCM was not released immediately after the meeting. It is scheduled to be announced after the release of a “fact sheet” summarizing the results of trade and security consultations between the two countries.
A Ministry of National Defense official explained, “Trade and security issues are intertwined, so we are coordinating the timing.”
Although the joint statement includes language on North Korea’s denuclearization, the level of pressure on North Korea has reportedly been softened compared to the previous year. This adjustment is interpreted as taking into account the possibility of resuming a North Korea-U.S. summit, which President Trump is currently pursuing.
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