South Korea and the United States agreed to quicken the OPCON transition process during their annual defense meeting. The updated plan strengthens the alliance’s long-term posture and places the OPCON transition at the center of strategic decision-making.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced that both sides will begin the Full Operational Capability assessment in 2026. He explained that the evaluation represents the essential second step in the three-part transition framework. The allies reached this decision during the 57th Security Consultative Meeting held in Seoul.
Officials released the joint communique later than usual and aligned it with additional summit materials. The timing reflected an effort to present unified messaging following President Lee Jae Myung’s recent talks with US President Donald Trump. That approach also highlighted the growing urgency created by regional security conditions.
Ahn noted that the alliance agreed to advance the existing roadmap established under the 2014 transition framework. He said the Initial Operational Capability phase ended in 2019 and provided a solid foundation for progress. The final Full Mission Capability stage will complete the overall transfer once all conditions are met.
Senior officials said the allies see meaningful improvements in combined command readiness and intelligence integration. They added that South Korea continues expanding its defense modernization to support the broader transition. President Lee emphasized these goals throughout his campaign and called the OPCON transition a priority for national security.
The meeting also produced a landmark agreement to conduct overhaul work on a US naval vessel in South Korea. A ministry representative said the exact schedule and location remain under discussion. Industry analysts expect the project to strengthen South Korea’s defense-support and ship maintenance capabilities.
Both sides also reviewed cooperation in space, cyber defense, and emerging technologies. They agreed that deeper coordination with Japan remains vital to addressing fast-growing regional threats. North Korea’s expanding missile and nuclear programs created additional urgency throughout the discussions.
Officials stated that working-level consultations will refine next year’s evaluation plan and outline operational requirements. They stressed that combined exercises and technology integration will guide much of the upcoming preparation. As regional dynamics shift, both governments aim to keep the OPCON transition on track through steady collaboration.
