Second of the Three Phases of Wartime Operational Control Transfer Verification to Be Completed Next Year
Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea
Date : 2025-11-28
uture CFC Headquarters advances Full Operational Capability (FOC) verification.
Conventional deterrence posture against regional threats enhanced.
Cooperation on Korea-based MRO for combatant ships strengthened.
Role of the United Nations Command reaffirmed.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announces the joint statement of the 57th Republic of Korea-United States Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) at the Ministry of National Defense briefing room in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon of Nov. 4.
Through the joint statement at the 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), the Republic of Korea and the United States agreed to finalize the second phase of the three-phase verification process for transferring wartime operational control by next year. This indicates that the transfer of wartime operational control has gained momentum under the current administration.
While announcing the joint statement of the 57th SCM on November 14 at the Defense Ministry briefing room in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Defense Minister Ahn said, "South Korea and the United States reaffirmed the solid ROK-US Alliance and robust combined defense readiness posture." The 57th SCM was jointly hosted by Minister Ahn and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on November 4 in Seoul
At the meeting, South Korea and the United States agreed to closely collaborate on a systematic, stable, and proactive transfer of wartime operational control in accordance with the conditions-based transfer plan. The two ministers agreed that this year's joint assessment showed meaningful progress in readiness posture and capabilities. They also decided to conduct the verification of full operational capability of the future Combined Forces Command headquarters next year. The transfer of wartime operational control consists of three phases: Initial Operational Capability (IOC), Full Operational Capability (FOC), and Full Mission Capability (FMC). Currently, the verification of the second phase, FOC, is underway. While the first and second phases focus on quantitative assessments, the third phase, Full Mission Capability (FMC), is reported to focus on qualitative assessments that require political decision. Upon completing the second phase verification next year, only the decision of the presidents of South Korea and the United States will remain. Both sides emphasized that the transfer of operational control will strengthen South Korea's capabilities and enhance the combined defense posture of the Alliance.
Minister Ahn informed Secretary Hegseth of South Korea's plan to raise the defense budget to 3.5% of GDP at the earliest opportunity, in accordance with the country's legal requirements. Secretary Hegseth highly praised the plan, welcomed Minister Ahn's commitment, and assured continued US support.
Minister Ahn stressed, "Building on a robust combined defense posture, we will continue to strengthen our defense capabilities so that the Republic of Korea can play a more leading role in maintaining security on the Korean Peninsula. To support this, we will continue to increase defense spending."
He also noted that the ROK and US will enhance the US conventional deterrence posture against all regional threats, including those from North Korea. The two defense officials also agreed on the importance of trilateral security cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan to effectively address North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and pledged to strengthen this collaboration. They also agreed to cooperate in deterring North Korea's potential aggression and to support related cooperative and diplomatic efforts.
Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to providing South Korea with extended deterrence by deploying US military capabilities across all categories, including nuclear weapons. Both ministers evaluated the performance of the ROK-US Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and agreed to continue its activities.
They also explored avenues for cooperation in the defense industry, and agreed that maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for both combatant and non-combatant ships will be carried out in Korea, marking the first time US warships will receive such services in the country. Secretary Hegseth stated, "US warships will receive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in South Korea for the first time." Both sides emphasized the need to accelerate cooperation in shipbuilding to enhance the US Navy's readiness posture.
They also acknowledged the essential role that the United States Forces Korea (USFK) has played on the Korean Peninsula for the past seven decades. Both defense officials reaffirmed that to support the Alliance's efforts to prevent armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula and promote peace and stability in Northeast Asia, they will continue maintaining the capability and posture of the USFK.
The two ministers also agreed that ensuring consistent training opportunities for the ROK-US military is essential. Furthermore, they agreed that, based on mutual consent, the two countries will promptly implement procedures to return the remaining Yongsan base and US bases in Northern Gyeonggi Province that have not yet been returned. The joint statement also covered cooperation in defense science and technology, the performance of the Regional Cooperation Working Group (RCWG), and reaffirmed the role of the United Nations Command.
Minister Ahn stated, "Based on these achievements and mutual trust, the ROK and the US will respond to the rapidly changing security environment and threats, and closely cooperate to evolve the defense sector into a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance'."
By Byeong-No, Yun
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