President Lee: "Nuclear-Powered Submarines Symbolize Our Commitment to Self-Reliant Security"

Presiding Over the 1st Future Defense Strategy Committee

"Completing the Roadmap for Wartime Operational Control Restoration"

"Toward a Smart and Powerful Military: Evolving Beyond Numerical Superiority to AI, Drones, and Robotic Battlefield

On May 26, President Lee Jaemyung presented the construction of nuclear-powered submarines and the early restoration of wartime operational control as core tasks for a major transformation of national defense, stating, "Our country must prepare for the future of Korea's defense based on a determination to defend ourselves with our own strength."

President Lee Jae-myung listens to Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek's report on the basic plan for the development of nuclear-powered submarines at the 1st Future Defense Strategy Committee held in Jinhae-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongnam Province on May 26, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

In his opening remarks at the 1st Future Defense Strategy Committee held in Jinhae-gu, Changwon City, Gyeongnam Province, on the afternoon of the same day, President Lee said, "Can a nation that cannot defend itself truly be called a nation? A country that can defend itself—one with firm independent national defense—is the true image of a complete nation." The meeting was held under the theme "The Power to Defend Ourselves, Defense that Prepares for the Future."

Regarding the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, President Lee stated, "The nuclear-powered submarines, which will be built on the solid foundation of the ROK-U.S. alliance, are a symbol of our determination to take responsibility for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula ourselves," adding, "Furthermore, this will greatly contribute to strengthening the capabilities of the Republic of Korea's defense industry."

On the restoration of wartime operational control, he said it is a core element of independent national defense. President Lee commented, "Restoring wartime operational control will serve as a milestone to make Korea's status as the main agent in defending the Korean Peninsula even clearer," and added, "Through close consultations between Korea and the United States, we will work to complete a specific roadmap for restoring wartime operational control, including the timing of the transition."

President Lee also called for an active response to the rapidly changing international situation and the evolving nature of modern warfare. He said, "As the international landscape changes by the minute, the nature of modern warfare is also evolving rapidly. It is no longer simply about the number of troops; instead, situations are judged using artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, and the battlefield is evolving into a future-oriented arena where drones and robots engage in combat."

He further emphasized, "Now, our technology and military capabilities will become the key criteria. By integrating advanced science and technology into our defense transformation, we must advance to become a smart, powerful military that can always overwhelm opponents in future warfare."

President Lee also stressed the special role of the Future Defense Strategy Committee. He said, "The Future Defense Strategy Committee is not just an advisory body but plays an important role in directly shaping the future of Korea's national defense. When the expertise and creativity of the private sector are combined with the government's capacity for execution, we will be able to create even greater synergy," he said.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.