Seoul, Nov 3 (NationPress) The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States are scheduled to commence their annual security discussions in Seoul this week, addressing a variety of security issues at a time when both nations aim to modernize their long-standing alliance in response to a shifting security environment.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to co-chair the 57th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) at the defense ministry in Seoul on Tuesday, marking their inaugural joint presiding since taking office earlier this year.

This year’s discussions are anticipated to cover significant alliance and security matters, including the strategic flexibility of US forces stationed in South Korea, as well as Seoul's initiative to regain wartime operational command (OPCON) from Washington.

Both parties are also likely to converse about Seoul's ambition to obtain a nuclear-powered submarine, following pertinent talks between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump during their summit last week.

South Korea has committed to reclaiming OPCON from Washington within President Lee Jae Myung’s five-year term, concluding in 2030.

Hegseth has lauded Seoul's push for the OPCON transfer as “great” and described South Korea as a “combat credible” partner, emphasizing the necessity for allies to take on increased security responsibilities.

In response, Ahn has assured he will make the “utmost” efforts to ensure the transfer of OPCON while preserving a strong alliance.

During their summit in Gyeongju on Wednesday, Lee explicitly urged Trump to permit South Korea to secure nuclear fuel supplies for conventionally armed submarines to enhance their capability in monitoring North Korean and Chinese vessels, which would alleviate the operational load on US forces.

Trump stated in a social media post the next day that he has granted South Korea the approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine at a shipyard in Philadelphia, operated by Hanwha Ocean of South Korea.

On the Korean Peninsula, this meeting occurs amidst North Korea's increasing military cooperation with Russia and its advancements in nuclear and missile technology, recently unveiling the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile during a significant military parade last month.

Seoul's defense ministry has identified key topics for discussion in this year's bilateral talks, including policy coordination on North Korea, combined defense strategies, extended deterrence, and naval maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

“Both parties aim to address overall pending issues to enhance the alliance in a forward-looking and mutually beneficial manner to counter the evolving security environment and threats,” the ministry previously stated in a release.

The US Department of War has confirmed Hegseth's participation in the SCM, indicating he will commend Seoul's willingness to increase defense spending and assume greater responsibility for the alliance’s deterrence and defense.

Hegseth is expected to arrive in South Korea later Monday for a two-day visit, the final segment of his Asia tour, which includes stops in Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Upon arrival, he will visit the Joint Security Area (JSA) with Ahn, marking the first joint visit to the JSA by the defense chiefs of the allies in eight years.