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South Korea Sets 2029 Target for Wartime Command Transfer from US

South Korea's defence ministry announced that a concrete timeline for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States will be established during the annual Security Consultative Meeting in 2024. This follows a statement by the US Forces Korea commander that the allies aim to meet the necessary conditions for the handover by the first quarter of 2029. South Korea seeks to complete the "conditions-based" transfer within President Lee Jae Myung's term, which ends in 2030. The transition would see a South Korean four-star general leading the combined forces in wartime, with a US general in a supporting role.

Key Points: S. Korea, US to Set Wartime Command Transfer Timeline in 2024

  • Timeline to be set in 2024 annual talks
  • Conditions targeted for 2029
  • Transfer sought within President Lee's term
  • Korean general to lead wartime forces
  • Part of "conditions-based" handover
2 min read

Timeline for wartime operational control transfer from US to be set in annual defence talks: Seoul

Seoul and Washington aim to finalize the OPCON transfer plan in 2024, with conditions targeted for 2029. A Korean general would lead wartime forces.

"Based on suggestions by South Korean and US military authorities, the defence ministers will make a decision - Chung Binna"

Seoul, April 23

A timeline for the handover of wartime operational control to South Korea from the United States will be set in this year's annual ministerial meeting and proposed to the leaders of the two countries, Seoul's defence ministry said on Thursday.

The remarks by a ministry official came after US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Gen. Xavier Brunson said the allies aim to meet conditions required for the envisioned OPCON transfer no later than the first quarter of 2029.

"Based on suggestions by South Korean and US military authorities, the defence ministers will make a decision in the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) and propose it to the presidents of the two countries," ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said in a regular briefing when asked about Brunson's remarks.

The SCM is an annual defence ministerial meeting that takes place every autumn in either Seoul or Washington, reports Yonhap news agency.

Noting that Seoul and Washington are pushing for the transfer in a "systemic, stable and consistent" manner, Chung said the defence ministry is seeking to promptly complete the transfer and is strengthening cooperation with the US side.

But the official did not specify the timing of the handover, though there was speculation that Seoul was seeking a transfer in 2028, a timeline that differs from the year the USFK commander mentioned.

South Korea has been seeking to achieve the "conditions-based" handover of wartime command from the US within President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term that ends in 2030.

South Korea handed over operational control of its troops to the US-led UN Command during the 1950-53 Korean War. It was then transferred to the two allies' Combined Forces Command when the command was launched in 1978. South Korea retook only peacetime operational control in 1994.

The allies have been working to meet the conditions for the envisioned transition, which include South Korea's capabilities to lead combined Korea-US forces, its strike and air defence capabilities, and a regional security environment conducive to such a handover.

Should the transfer occur, a four-star South Korean general will lead the allies' combined forces in wartime, with a four-star US general playing a supporting role.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The conditions-based approach makes sense. You can't just hand over command without ensuring full readiness. It reminds me of the careful planning needed in any major defence shift. Hope they get all their systems in place by 2029.
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Vikram M
A South Korean general leading combined forces in wartime is a big deal. Shows how much their military has grown. We in India are also focusing on building indigenous defence capabilities and taking charge of our own security. Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence is crucial.
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Priya S
The article mentions a difference in speculated timelines between Seoul and the US commander. This is where things can get tricky. Clear communication and aligned goals are absolutely essential between allies for such a sensitive transfer.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while the transfer is important for South Korea, I hope they are not rushing it due to political timelines (like before 2030). National security is paramount and shouldn't be tied to a government's term. The conditions must be met fully, no shortcuts.
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Michael C
The regional security environment being a condition is key. With North Korea's constant provocations, the timing of this handover is as important as the capability build-up. Stability in that region affects global trade and security, so the world will be watching.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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