US-South Korea Alliance
South Korea, US aim to meet OPCON transfer conditions by early 2029
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U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson said Wednesday that a roadmap has been delivered to the Pentagon to meet wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer conditions no later than the second quarter of fiscal year 2029. This targets January to March 2029 as the allies pursue a conditions-based transition. Brunson stressed the need to satisfy all conditions.
In the latest on THAAD redeployment concerns from South Korea, U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson confirmed on Tuesday that the full Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stays on the Korean peninsula, while some munitions await shipment to the Middle East. The statement addresses ongoing speculations during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
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U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has relocated some Patriot missile defense batteries to Osan Air Base, sparking speculation about a potential deployment to the Middle East. The move comes amid escalating tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, with both Korean and U.S. officials maintaining ambiguity on the matter.
South Korean and U.S. officials celebrated the alliance as a 'model' and 'forward-looking' partnership during a Korean National Day and Armed Forces Day event in Washington. The gathering followed the release of a joint fact sheet on security, trade, and other agreements by a day. Attendees expressed optimism about the alliance's future, emphasizing cooperation in economics and technology.
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed interagency efforts on Tuesday to fulfill President Donald Trump's pledge for South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines. The commitment follows last week's summit where President Lee Jae Myung sought US approval for nuclear fuel supplies. South Korea's defense ministry anticipates launching its first homegrown nuclear submarine in the mid-to-late 2030s.