Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Lee Jong-sup takes office as the 48th Minister of National Defense

In his inaugural address, stresses that the military will respond to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea by strengthening the Korean-style three-axis system

Main points of Lee's speech included strengthening ROK-US alliance and expanding defense cooperation with allies

Presided over meeting of top military commanders of all armed services via video conference

Checked on defense condition of AFOC and AMDC

On May 11, the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) 48th Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup stressed that the military “will respond to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea by dramatically strengthening the Korean-style three-axis system capabilities.”

Lee made the statement in his inauguration ceremony held in the main building of the ministry that day, and emphasized five main priorities in defense management to build a ‘solid defense, strong military with scientific technologies.’

“With the continued strategic competition between the United States and China, the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region is being severely threatened by North Korea’s advanced nuclear and missile capabilities,” Lee commented, giving his assessment of the security situation in his inaugural address.

Lee then highlighted the ‘establishment of a solid defense posture to proactively respond to omnidirectional security threats’ as the first main priority in defense management. “We will respond sternly to any tactical provocation from North Korea, in view of our right to self-defense. To do this, the military needs to make full preparations by raising the morale of our forces through strong training,” Lee said.

Lee also introduced several other key priorities including ‘building a strong military with scientific technologies optimized for the changing security environment via Defense Innovation 4.0,’ and ‘strengthening the solidarity of the ROK-US military alliance, and expanding reciprocal defense cooperation with allies.’

Regarding the defense industry, “we will nurture it as an advanced strategic industry that can lead the country’s economic growth,” Lee said, stressing that “We will work to enhance the ROK’s brand value by strengthening the competitiveness of the defense industry and expanding experts.”

Lee also expressed his wish to create a defense culture which can fit in with the future generation, and in which sacrifices for the country can be held in respect. “Our military should maintain an unshakable stance when it comes to political beliefs or external interests. The military should faithfully play its natural role, maintaining national security as its only proposition,” Lee also clarified.

Lee also expressed his gratitude to the defense families who have faithfully been carrying out their duties while maintaining an airtight readiness posture amid the relocation of the ministry building.

After the inauguration ceremony, Lee presided over a meeting of top military commanders of all armed services via video conference, and visited the Air Force Operations Command (AFOC) and the Air and Missile Defense Command (AMDC) to check on air operations and the missile defense operation posture.

After being briefed on the military readiness posture at the meeting, Lee made the assessment that “the security situation on the Korean Peninsula is very grave given North Korea’s advanced missile threats and possible nuclear tests,” stressing that “we should maintain a firm readiness posture on land, at sea and in the air to respond proactively to omnidirectional security threats.”

Significantly, Lee ordered a decisive and quick response to any direct provocation from North Korea, in view of the right to self-defense.

Lee also reiterated the importance of creating a defense culture, stressing that “we should establish military discipline and ensure that our soldiers have high morale by complying with laws and regulations, with human rights guaranteed.”

Lee also asked the commanders to “be committed to building a ‘solid defense, and a strong military with scientific technologies,’ stressing that “our mission is to build a solid security to back up freedom, peace and prosperity, and all of you who have attended this meeting play a leading role in achieving this important task.”

During his visit to the AFOC’s Korean Air and Space Operations Center (KAOC) in the afternoon, Lee urged the Air Force to “maintain a firm readiness posture in order to respond overwhelmingly to any provocations from North Korea amid this grave security situation, including North Korea’s advanced missile threats and possible nuclear tests.”

The AMDC encouraged the soldiers working to maintain the missile defense operations posture, stressing that the military “will continue to establish an advanced multi-layered missile defense system, which North Korea does not have, by upgrading the Patriot missile’s performance, introducing further ballistic missile early warning radar, and conducting force integration on the Cheongung-Ⅱ launcher.”

By Chul-Hwan, Kim < droid001@dema.mil.kr >

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