Prudent approaches for OPCON transfer
This year's Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), a joint military drill between South Korea and the United States, will take place Aug. 17-27. UFS is one of two large-scale combined military exercises. The other is Freedom Shield, held in the spring. This UFS stands out in that it involves drills to counter drones, GPS disruption and cyberattacks — capabilities North Korea is presumed to have gained…
In 2023, South Korea and the United States will conduct the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), a major joint military exercise. UFS is one of two significant combined military drills, the other being Freedom Shield held in the spring. This year's UFS is notable for including drills to confront drones, GPS interference, and cyberattacks.
These capabilities are believed to have been acquired by North Korea through its involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making the UFS a crucial test for South Korea's wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer from the United States.
South Korea and the United States have established a three-stage process for OPCON transfer. Currently, South Korea is in the second stage, where the nation's full operational capability to lead combined forces is being assessed. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) have stated that UFS will serve as an opportunity to aid preparations for a conditions-based OPCON transfer.
President Lee Jae Myung's administration has emphasized that OPCON transfer and military command authority are about self-reliance. The OPCON transfer is one of the key priorities for the current administration.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Prudent approaches for OPCON transfer koreatimes.co.kr
