South Korea OPCON Transfer 2030: Military Reform and New Joint Operations Command
South Korea reveals a major military reform plan for 2026, featuring a new Joint Operations Command for the 2030 OPCON transfer and a 10% boost in defense R&D.
South Korea's military command structure is undergoing a massive overhaul. A special advisory committee has recommended the establishment of a Joint Operations Command as the nation prepares for the wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer from Washington by 2030, according to the Defense Ministry on Tuesday.
New Joint Operations Command to Lead Wartime Control Transfer
Under the proposed plan, the new command will spearhead operational functions currently led by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). This allows the JCS to pivot toward long-term military strategy and power-building. The reform also includes launching a Space Command to address modern warfare trends while scrapping the Drone Operations Command due to functional overlaps with existing branches.
R&D Surge and Strategic Deterrence
To deter North Korean threats, the committee urged the early deployment of high-precision anti-ballistic missiles and the L-SAM interception system. It also proposed a 10% annual increase in the defense R&D budget, focusing on artificial intelligence, robotics, and defense semiconductors.
Post-Martial Law Governance Reform
The reform package also addresses internal stability following the botched martial law attempt in late 2024. It suggests revising military law to protect personnel who defy unlawful orders and scaling down the authority of martial law commanders. These measures aim to prevent future political misuse of military power.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
On Jan 20, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung ordered a thorough probe into a civilian drone incursion into North Korea, calling it tantamount to starting a war.
South Korea's advisory committee recommends a Joint Operations Command to facilitate the 2030 OPCON transfer. The plan includes a 10% R&D hike for AI and space defense.
A civilian graduate student has claimed responsibility for the 2026 drone incursions into North Korea, citing radiation research. Read the latest on the South Korea drone incursion investigation 2026.
President Lee Jae-myung and former PM Taro Aso met in Seoul to discuss the future of South Korea-Japan relations, reinforcing 'shuttle diplomacy' efforts following the Nara summit.
On Jan 20, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung ordered a thorough probe into a civilian drone incursion into North Korea, calling it tantamount to starting a war.
South Korea's advisory committee recommends a Joint Operations Command to facilitate the 2030 OPCON transfer. The plan includes a 10% R&D hike for AI and space defense.
A civilian graduate student has claimed responsibility for the 2026 drone incursions into North Korea, citing radiation research. Read the latest on the South Korea drone incursion investigation 2026.
President Lee Jae-myung and former PM Taro Aso met in Seoul to discuss the future of South Korea-Japan relations, reinforcing 'shuttle diplomacy' efforts following the Nara summit.