The Future Strategy Subcommittee, led by Kim Jung-seop of the Sejong Institute, concluded ten meetings between September 30 and December 23, 2025, finalizing recommendations for military restructuring. On January 20, 2026, the committee announced its results, responding to challenges such as population decline, rapid advancements in AI and technology, and the diversification of both traditional and non-traditional security threats. The committee emphasized overcoming these challenges by focusing on advanced technology, specialized personnel, and leveraging civilian resources to build a smart, robust military. This initiative reflects a collaborative effort among government, military, and civilian sectors to design the future of national defense.
The advisory report outlines key defense reform tasks and strategies across four main areas: future defense strategy concepts, command/unit structure, force structure, and personnel structure. It addresses North Korea’s nuclear and conventional threats, gray-zone tactics, and potential regional disputes, recommending the continued foundation of the ROK-US alliance and the establishment of a Korea-led combined defense system post-OPCON transfer. The report also calls for a shift from linear border operations to a mobile, technology-driven response, the creation of a Joint Operations Command, redefinition of the Strategic Command, disbandment of the Drone Operations Command, and the establishment of a Space Command. For force structure, it suggests reassessing requirements for nuclear deterrence, early deployment of key assets like high-power missiles and reconnaissance satellites, and increasing R&D budgets for advanced technologies by over 10% annually.
Personnel reforms aim to address declining conscription resources by integrating officers, specialists, and civilian staff to ensure both combat readiness and expertise. The plan includes expanding civilian roles in non-combat areas, improving the conscription system to allow for long-term specialist service, and enhancing conditions for long-term officers. The committee proposes maintaining an active force of 350,000 and over 150,000 civilian defense personnel, totaling more than 500,000 by the 2040s. Recognizing the complexity and long-term nature of military restructuring, the committee recommends a phased approach, focusing on three core areas—units, force, and personnel—while ensuring stable funding and legal support.
The Ministry of National Defense plans to incorporate these recommendations into its ongoing defense reform blueprint, accelerating the creation of a smart military based on AI and advanced science. This advisory aims to proactively address future security challenges and drive qualitative improvements in defense capabilities through technological innovation and personnel reform. Continued collaboration among government, military, and civilian sectors, along with social consensus, will be crucial for successful reform. Investment in advanced technologies and innovative personnel management are expected to significantly enhance future defense readiness.
The committee’s recommendations represent a forward-thinking response to structural challenges such as population decline and technological disruption. By prioritizing AI, defense semiconductors, and robotics, and expanding civilian participation, the plan fosters a transformative shift in the defense industry ecosystem. The integration of unmanned and manned systems, along with the establishment of new commands for space and advanced operations, positions the military to adapt proactively to future warfare trends while enhancing both efficiency and expertise.