South Korea’s Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll met in Seoul on Thursday to discuss expanding bilateral military cooperation, including drone development, arms industry collaboration, and maintaining a strong combined defence posture against North Korea, the South Korean Defence Ministry said.

During the talks, Ahn emphasised that close military trust and cooperation have strengthened the US–South Korea alliance and proposed further joint efforts to advance these ties. Both sides agreed on the importance of a robust defence posture to deter and respond to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, highlighting the critical role of US Forces Korea in maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula.

Ahn also called for enhanced cooperation in science and technology, as well as in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of defence equipment, a proposal Driscoll supported. Both leaders recognised the growing significance of drones in modern warfare and agreed to expand joint research, production, and operational use of unmanned assets.

The meeting comes after top diplomats from South Korea, the US, and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea’s denuclearisation during the UN General Assembly in New York last month. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had suggested willingness for dialogue with the US if Washington drops the denuclearisation precondition, although he remains intent on retaining the country’s nuclear stockpiles.

In their joint statement, the foreign ministers and Driscoll stressed the need for continued enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions, coordinated response to DPRK violations, and maintaining peace through diplomacy while addressing nuclear and missile threats.

The Seoul meeting signals a strengthened US–South Korea partnership with a focus on advanced technology, drones, and a united approach to regional security challenges posed by North Korea.