Defense ministry seeks 8.2% budget increase for 2027 amid OPCON transition, forces reform push
The defense ministry said Tuesday it has proposed an 8.2 percent increase in the 2027 budget, seeking to accelerate its push for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States, and modernizing forces and capabilities amid a demographic cliff. The proposal calls for a budget of 73.27 trillion won ($53.5 billion), up 5.57 trillion won from 67.7 trillion won in 2026, the…
The South Korean defense ministry has requested an 8.2 percent increase in its 2027 budget, aiming to expedite the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States and to modernize forces and capabilities amid a demographic challenge. The budget proposal stands at 73.27 trillion won ($53.5 billion), a 5.57 trillion won increase from 67.7 trillion won in 2026.
This represents the highest rise in defense spending since 2008 if approved by the National Assembly. The proposed budget would account for 2.33 percent of South Korea's projected GDP for the following year, a slight uptick from the current 2.28 percent. The government's objective is to gradually elevate defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035, in line with demands from the Trump administration for allies to bear a larger portion of their own defense costs.
The focus is on augmenting the military's self-sufficient defense capabilities and transitioning away from manpower-intensive forces towards a technology-driven military in response to the demographic cliff facing the nation.
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.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
