An Gyu-baek says US-South Korea nuclear-conventional integration 'more firmly established'

Defense Minister An Gyu-baek moved to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the extended deterrence framework built on combined nuclear-conventional integration (CNI), using the sixth meeting of the South Korea-US Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) as a springboard. He visited the meeting site immediately after the session to assess the results of bilateral coordination and said the need to refine and advance extended deterrence operations had grown more urgent.

An said Friday on X, formerly Twitter, that he had visited the sixth NCG plenary session — the second held under the Lee Jae Myung administration — on Thursday to encourage delegations from both countries.

The sixth South Korea-US NCG meeting, held Thursday, is a key consultative body for strengthening the operational effectiveness of extended deterrence between the two allies.

Citing the contributions of US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Robert Soofer, South Korea's Director General for Defense Policy Kim Hong-chul, and working-level officials from both sides, An said their dedication had made "the trust and operational effectiveness of South Korea-US nuclear-conventional integration more firmly established."

CNI refers to the integrated operation of nuclear and conventional forces and is regarded as a central pillar of the South Korea-US extended deterrence framework.

"I am deeply grateful for your hard work in achieving perfect coordination, like two wheels of a cart," An said. "I am confident that the extended deterrence capabilities of the South Korea-US alliance will become even more sophisticated and advanced going forward."

The NCG meeting covered extended deterrence operational plans in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats, the deployment of US strategic assets, and the further development of combined nuclear-conventional operations. Strengthening the joint planning and execution framework based on the CNI concept was assessed as a key outcome of the session.

Since its launch last year, the NCG has focused on enhancing the effectiveness of extended deterrence through regular consultations. The two countries plan to continue expanding joint CPX and policy coordination to further develop their response capabilities.