Overview

• Gen. Xavier Brunson publicly shifted the US-ROK alliance debate away from headcount to a focus on advanced capabilities and strategic positioning.
• He cautioned that circumventing the conditions-based wartime operational control transfer could undermine readiness on the peninsula.
• Patriot air-defense batteries deployed to the Middle East will return to Korea with upgraded systems, and new ISR platforms have been introduced to enhance surveillance.
• U.S. officials are exploring strategic flexibility options that would reconfigure USFK’s mission to address Chinese and Russian activities beyond deterring North Korea.
• Brunson said the U.N. Command’s role will evolve as North Korea deepens ties with Russia, signaling potential expansion of multinational contributions.