South Korea-US Joint Military Drills 2026: Defense Minister Calls Exercises 'Lifeline' Amid Dialogue Calls
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back reaffirms the South Korea-US joint military drills 2026 as a 'lifeline' for readiness. Plans for nuclear submarines and 2030 OPCON transfer were also highlighted.
"Drills are a lifeline for soldiers." Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back reaffirmed on January 7, 2026, that preparations for the annual combined exercises between South Korea and the United States are proceeding as planned. Despite domestic and international pressure to scale back maneuvers to facilitate diplomacy with Pyongyang, the ministry is prioritizing military readiness.
South Korea-US Joint Military Drills 2026 and Strategic Flexibility
According to Yonhap News TV, the allies conduct large-scale drills twice a year—the springtime 'Freedom Shield' and summertime 'Ulchi Freedom Shield.' Ahn noted that while the current roadmap remains unchanged, the political climate could lead to adjustments if substantive talks between the U.S. and North Korea materialize.
Nuclear Submarine Ambitions and OPCON Transfer 2030
Ahn also addressed the long-term goal of building nuclear-powered submarines. If negotiations for nuclear fuel access with Washington conclude within two years, the first vessel could be deployed as early as the mid-2030s. This move is seen as a critical step in modernizing the South's naval deterrent.
Furthermore, the government aims to complete the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) by the end of President Lee Jae-myung's term in 2030. The military expects to finalize the Full Operational Capability (FOC) verification by the end of 2026, a key milestone in proving Seoul's ability to lead combined forces.
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