South Korean and U.S. Army Chiefs Discuss Security, Boost Cooperation Before May LANPAC
Updated (3 articles)
Video Call Held on Feb 6 2026 Gen. Kim Gyu‑ha, South Korea’s Army Chief of Staff, and Gen. Ronald P. Clark, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, conducted a video conference on Feb. 6, 2026 to exchange views on regional security [1]. The meeting lasted roughly an hour and was framed as a routine senior‑level dialogue despite heightened tensions on the peninsula [1]. Both commanders emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the two armies [1].
Focus on Peninsula Threats and Multilateral Efforts The leaders reviewed the evolving security environment on the Korean Peninsula, citing North Korean missile tests and the need for deterrence [1]. They explored ways to deepen joint security initiatives with Japan, Australia, and other Indo‑Pacific partners [1]. The discussion highlighted the role of multilateral exercises and intelligence sharing in countering regional threats [1].
Praise for U.S. Army Pacific Contributions Gen. Kim commended U.S. Army Pacific for its “significant contribution” to the combined defense posture, noting recent joint training and technology transfers [1]. Gen. Clark responded by lauding South Korean Army capabilities and confirming plans for continued joint exercises throughout 2026 [1]. Both sides agreed to accelerate defense‑innovation projects, including unmanned systems and cyber‑defense collaborations [1].
Preparation for May LANPAC Symposium The chiefs pledged to expand cooperation with regional allies ahead of the Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium scheduled for May 2026 [1]. They committed to presenting joint initiatives at the symposium, aiming to showcase integrated deterrence strategies [1]. The agreement signals a coordinated effort to reinforce the U.S.–South Korea alliance in the coming months [1].
Timeline
May 2022 – The 5th Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (5‑17 ACS) stations at Camp Humphreys with AH‑64E Apache helicopters and RQ‑7B Shadow drones, supporting the 2nd Infantry Division and establishing a key U.S. aviation capability in South Korea [2].
Oct 2025 – South Korean and U.S. leaders meet at a summit in Seoul and agree to develop a roadmap that will “expedite” conditions for transferring wartime operational control (OPCON) to Seoul, a step toward full Korean command by 2030 [2][3].
Nov 2025 – Defense chiefs convene in a security consultative meeting, reaffirm the OPCON roadmap and pledge accelerated implementation of the October summit agreements, underscoring the alliance’s focus on rapid readiness enhancements [2][3].
Dec 15, 2025 – Reports indicate the 5‑17 ACS ceases operations at Camp Humphreys; the South Korean defense ministry says no final decision has been made and consultations with USFK continue, highlighting ongoing asset‑coordination concerns [2].
Jan 6, 2026 – Defense Minister Ahn Gyu‑back inspects the Combined Forces Command at Camp Humphreys, meets U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, calls the CFC the “heart” of the alliance, and urges “unwavering combat readiness” and swift execution of the OPCON roadmap by 2030 [2][3].
Feb 6, 2026 – Army Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Gyu‑ha and U.S. Army Pacific commander Gen. Ronald P. Clark hold a video call; Kim praises U.S. Army Pacific’s contribution to the integrated defense posture and both leaders pledge deeper security cooperation ahead of the May LANPAC Symposium [1].
May 2026 (planned) – The Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium convenes, providing a venue for expanded multilateral security collaboration among Indo‑Pacific partners as pledged by the Korean and U.S. army chiefs in February [1].
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