US 2026 National Defense Strategy: South Korea to Shoulder 'Primary' Security Role

They're shaking hands, but their fists remain clenched behind their backs. The Pentagon's newly released 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) signals a major shift, asserting that South Korea is now capable of taking "primary responsibility" for deterring North Korean threats. This assessment aligns with President Donald Trump's "America First" doctrine, which demands that allies do more for their own defense.

US 2026 National Defense Strategy: Shifting the Burden of Deterrence

According to the document, the Pentagon believes Seoul's powerful military, robust defense industry, and mandatory conscription enable it to lead its own defense. While the U.S. will provide "critical" support, that assistance will now be "more limited." This transition comes as Washington looks to modernize the alliance to focus on its top strategic rival: China. The U.S. praised Seoul's commitment to spending 3.5% of its GDP on defense, calling it a model for other partners.

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A Strategic Pivot and the Fate of USFK

The shift in responsibility is consistent with America's interest in updating the posture of the 28,500-strongU.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Speculation is mounting that Washington will seek to expand the mission of USFK to handle contingencies beyond the Korean Peninsula, particularly those related to China. Notably, the 2026 NDS omits the goal of North Korea's denuclearization, a move that follows the December 2025 National Security Strategy.