The Ministry of National Defense is promoting democratic and institutional control and reforming military intelligence agencies to rebuild a ‘military for the people.’ It also aims to enhance the Korean-type 3-axis system and foster a smart and strong military based on AI and advanced science and technology. Key issues such as the return of U.S. military bases in Korea, construction of nuclear-powered submarines, and the recovery of wartime operational control are also being pursued.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek expressed deep remorse for the national chaos caused by the illegal martial law on December 3 and emphasized strengthening institutional reforms and internal reforms to prevent recurrence. The ministry submitted revision proposals for the Military Service Basic Act to provide grounds for refusing illegal orders and plans to distribute explanatory materials to minimize initial confusion. The restructuring of the Defense Security Command has been completed, and the optimization of overlapping functions between the Defense Intelligence Agency and intelligence units is underway.
The defense budget for next year has been significantly increased by 21.3% to 8.8 trillion won to advance the Korean-type 3-axis system, including deploying key assets such as military reconnaissance satellites, Aegis ships, and high-powered missiles. The ministry aims to improve missile capabilities and increase quantities visibly during the current administration. It also plans to strengthen core capabilities by adding assets like the KF-21, Cheongung-II, and C-130H transport aircraft according to the reinforcement roadmap.
To improve military service conditions, the ministry plans to raise junior officer salaries by 6.6%, secure one room per officer for housing, increase duty pay, expand maternity leave, and consider flexible work arrangements. It is also pushing for the return of U.S. military bases, supporting the development of returned lands, resolving delays in military airport relocations, and establishing plans for nuclear-powered submarine construction. Additionally, it aims to restore the September 19 military agreement in a proactive and phased manner and is working toward the recovery of wartime operational control by 2026 through joint working-level consultations with the U.S.