South Korea to Launch Strategic Command in Response to North Korean Threats
South Korea is set to establish a new military command this week to enhance its defense capabilities against evolving nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, according to the defense ministry.
The South Korean Strategic Command will be inaugurated on Tuesday, amid rising concerns over Pyongyang’s ongoing efforts to advance its weapons programs, recently underscored by the disclosure of a uranium enrichment facility, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This new command will oversee the operations of key weapons systems, including Hyunmoo ballistic missiles, F-35 stealth fighters, and submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles. Plans for the unit were first announced in 2022.
Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun emphasized the significance of the command, stating, “The establishment of the Strategic Command demonstrates our military’s strong resolve to achieve peace through strength with a robust defense force.” He warned that “if North Korea employs nuclear weapons, it will face the end of its regime due to the overwhelming strength of the South Korea-US alliance.”
The command is expected to operate alongside the US Strategic Command, which oversees America’s nuclear arsenal, to facilitate coordination for joint operations involving US strategic assets and South Korean conventional weapons systems.
The two nations have been working to integrate their military capabilities through the bilateral Nuclear Consultative Group, aimed at bolstering deterrence against North Korean threats.
The new unit, to be led by Air Force Lt. Gen. Jin Young-sung, will officially launch on Tuesday, coinciding with the celebration of Armed Forces Day in South Korea.
