Seoul proposes ‘future defence innovation' plan

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has proposed a series of reforms to support the transition of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces into a ‘future military power' over the coming decades.

The reforms are aligned with legislation enacted earlier this year to develop the national defence industrial base and to encourage greater emphasis within the country on military technology innovation.

The MND said on 28 July that the reforms will encompass new defence strategies, including a proposed ‘Defence Vision 2050' policy, new methods to develop and procure innovative military technologies, and the reorganisation of a series of MND-affiliated agencies and divisions.

The plans – collectively dubbed by the MND as its “Future defence innovation initiative” – were announced during a meeting in Seoul chaired by South Korean Minister of National Defense Suh Wook.

In comments published by the MND, Suh said, “As neighbouring countries are devoting national capabilities towards developing science and technologies to prepare for the future, our military must also rapidly apply advanced science and technology and focus on developing defence policies and strategies for the future.”

He added, “The future defence innovation initiative is not a one-time, short-term task but a critical issue for the future of national defence. We will continue to push this forward.” Suh said the initiative will focus on several areas of planning including defence policy, acquisition processes, technologies, military interoperability, and the reform of defence-support agencies.