Joint Press Statement for the 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue
The U.S. and South Korea concluded the 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue, focusing on alliance modernization, wartime OPCON transition, and defense industry cooperation.
The 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) took place in Busan from September 16 to 18, 2026, bringing together senior defense and foreign affairs officials from both nations. The U.S. delegation was led by Mr. George LeMeur, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for East Asia, while the ROK delegation was headed by Deputy Minister Dr. Kim Hong-Cheol. The meeting served as a platform to review progress on defense cooperation initiatives outlined in the Joint Fact Sheet and the 57th Security Consultative Meeting Joint Communique.
Both sides evaluated efforts to modernize the alliance amid a shifting security landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptive defense strategies. Discussions also covered the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control (OPCON) Transition Plan (COTP), with a focus on accelerating the transfer of wartime operational control responsibilities. The dialogue included visits to key defense industry sites to strengthen collaboration in shipbuilding and aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities.
The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense cooperation through continuous consultations on alliance security matters. They highlighted the importance of maintaining readiness and interoperability to address evolving regional challenges. The meetings underscored the strategic value of the ROK-U.S. alliance in maintaining regional stability.
Following the dialogue, both nations pledged to sustain close coordination on defense policy and operational matters. The outcomes reflect a shared determination to enhance mutual defense capabilities and address emerging security threats through structured, ongoing engagement.