South Korea Joint Operations Command OPCON 2030 Roadmap Unveiled

South Korea's military is preparing for a massive structural overhaul to reclaim wartime operational control (OPCON) by 2030. A special advisory committee has recommended establishing a Joint Operations Command to unify the command structure and enhance operational readiness.

South Korea Joint Operations Command OPCON 2030 Strategy

The committee, comprising civilian and military experts, submitted the proposal to the Defense Ministry on Tuesday. According to the report, the new command is essential for achieving the conditions-based OPCON handover within President Lee Jae-myung's five-year term. Under this plan, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) would transfer its operational functions to the new command and pivot its focus toward long-term military strategy and force building.

Streamlining Commands and Tech Modernization

Structural reforms include the dissolution of the Drone Operations Command due to functional overlaps, while calling for the launch of a new Space Command. To bolster deterrence against North Korean threats, the committee urged the early deployment of the L-SAM interception system and military satellites.

• Proposed annual 10% increase in defense R&D budget
• Focus on cutting-edge technologies like AI, semiconductors, and robotics