President Lee Jae Myung Says Nuclear-Powered Submarine Acquisition Must Be Accelerated

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[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung said on the 26th that "we must accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology, and speed up the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, which are key strategic assets for future defense capabilities."
At the State Council of South Korea meeting and Emergency Economic Review Meeting he chaired at the Blue House that day, Lee said, "We must hasten the transition to a future-oriented, advanced military."
Lee said, "A strong security posture is a key foundation for leaping forward as a global economic powerhouse with a technological edge." He added, "Growth without peace is nothing more than a house built on sand."
He went on to say, "Our current defense capability ranks fifth in the world, and our annual defense spending far exceeds North Korea's annual GDP." He stressed that while the country already has enough capability to defend itself, it must further strengthen its military power in response to the harsh international reality of every nation fending for itself and the law of the jungle.
Lee also urged the government to concentrate national resources on nurturing the K-defense industry, the backbone of advanced defense, through sustained increases in R&D budgets, localization of core components, and stronger public-private cooperation. He added that efforts should also be stepped up to foster future security innovation companies that can lead the global market in fields such as robotics, drones, and space.
He also said that, in addition to military strength, South Korea must build a robust multilateral security network through pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests. "Winning a war is important, but so is building peace so that war does not break out," he said. "Above all, what matters most is the resolve to take responsibility for our own security and defend it ourselves."
Lee also called for the swift transfer of Wartime Operational Control (OPCON). He said, "Only when we have an independent defense will our friends respect us and our alliance remain even stronger." He added, "I hope the transfer of OPCON, which will help drive the healthy development of the ROK-US Alliance, will proceed swiftly and without setbacks."
He also emphasized that "going beyond winning wars, creating peace that makes war unnecessary is the truly strong and capable form of security." He added, "We will devote our full efforts to strengthening defense capabilities that support peace on the Korean Peninsula and the leap forward of the Republic of Korea."
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun Reporter