South Korea, U.S. Pledge Enhanced Defense Collaboration to Counter North Korean Threats

South Korea and the United States have reaffirmed the need for close cooperation in addressing North Korea’s recent provocations. The two nations reached this agreement during the 25th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) was held in Seoul from the 23rd to the 24th.

During the meeting, representatives from both countries, including Cho Chang Rae, South Korea’s Defense Policy Director, and Anka Lee, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia, exchanged views on alliance issues.

The meeting focused on key tasks related to the “Korea-U.S. Alliance Defense Vision.” Among the top priorities were enhancing deterrence against North Korea, modernizing defense capabilities through scientific and technological cooperation, and enhancing solidarity with like-minded countries for regional security.

Both nations reaffirmed their goal of “complete denuclearization of North Korea.” The U.S. underscored its commitment to defending South Korea using its full range of defense capabilities, including nuclear and conventional weapons.

In a press release, the U.S. Department of Defense reaffirmed its “ironclad commitment” to protect South Korea, stating, “Any nuclear attack from North Korea is unacceptable and will lead to the end of the regime led by Kim Jong Un.”

In particular, South Korea and the U.S. decided to cooperate closely in addressing North Korea’s so-called “gray zone provocations,” such as ballooning propaganda, threats near the Northwestern Islands and the Northern Limit Line, and cyber and electromagnetic attacks. These provocations do not constitute clear military actions but are ambiguous assaults that hinder an active response.

The two nations also expressed concerns about growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, emphasizing the need to enforce United Nations Security Council resolutions strictly.

In science and technology, they agreed on the need for collaboration in sectors such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, manned-unmanned hybrid systems, and next-generation communications. They also discussed holding a Defense Science and Technology Conference starting next year.

Both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation with the U.S.’s Regional Maintenance Hub (RHF) initiative regarding the defense industry. They particularly valued South Korea’s participation in the U.S. Air Force’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) pilot project. They welcomed the U.S. Navy’s contract with South Korean shipyards for MRO of U.S. Navy vessels.

The two countries reviewed the progress of the “Conditions-Based Transition Plan for Operational Control,” agreeing to pursue the transition of operational control systematically and smoothly. They also stressed the importance of strengthening trilateral security cooperation with Japan under the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework.

Reflecting on their recent joint military drill, “Ulchi Freedom Shield,” conducted last month, both sides agreed to further enhance joint training exercises in response to the evolving security situation on the Korean Peninsula. Building on these discussions, South Korea and the U.S. plan to hold the 56th Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting in Washington, D.C., later this year.