South Korea Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back will submit a proposal by the end of 2026 [1] to set a target year for regaining wartime operational control.
This move represents a critical step in South Korea's effort to strengthen its national security and complete a long-standing bilateral road map with the U.S. Regaining this control would shift the authority to lead military operations during a conflict from the U.S. back to Seoul.
Ahn Gyu-back said he intends to present the target year to the presidents of both nations. The potential transfer of wartime operational control, known as OPCON, could occur as early as 2027 [2].
Discussions regarding the proposal are expected to take place during the allies’ Security Consultative Meeting in November 2026 [1]. This meeting serves as the primary venue for coordinating the broader South Korea-U.S. security framework and refining the transition process.
According to available reports, the final verification stage of the transfer process typically lasts about one year [2]. This phase ensures that South Korean forces have the necessary capabilities and readiness to assume full command before the U.S. officially relinquishes control.
Seoul's push for a concrete timeline reflects a desire to finalize the road map for military autonomy. The transition is designed to ensure that South Korea can independently manage its defense strategy while maintaining the strength of the combined alliance.
“The potential transfer of wartime operational control could occur as early as 2027.”
The transfer of OPCON is a symbolic and practical pivot in the U.S.-South Korea alliance, moving from a protectorate-style relationship toward a partnership of equals. By setting a hard deadline for the proposal and a potential 2027 transfer date, Seoul is signaling that it believes its military capabilities have matured sufficiently to lead its own defense in a wartime scenario.
