(LEAD) Defense chief, U.S. undersecretary discuss Seoul's nuclear sub push, wartime troop control transfer

▲ This photo, provided by the defense ministry, shows Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (L) and U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby during their meeting at the ministry compound in Seoul on Jan. 26, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) defense chief-Pentagon official

(LEAD) Defense chief, U.S. undersecretary discuss Seoul's nuclear sub push, wartime troop control transfer

(ATTN: ADDS details in last 4 paras)

SEOUL, Jan. 26 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held talks Monday with U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby to discuss Seoul's push to build nuclear-powered submarines, regain wartime operation control of its troops from Washington and other pending security issues.

Ahn referred to the joint fact sheet the two countries released last year following their leaders' summit, as well as their recent Security Consultative Meeting, saying their alliance has reached a "historic turning point" and calling for tangible results in defense cooperation this year, according to his ministry.

Colby pledged to continue efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with South Korea, referring to the country as a model ally of the U.S.

Both sides agreed that cooperation on Seoul's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would bolster its capabilities to defend the Korean Peninsula and serve as a key landmark in elevating their alliance to a higher level.

Their discussion also reportedly included the new National Defense Strategy released by the Pentagon last week.

The key document described Seoul as capable of taking "primary" responsibility to deter North Korea with "critical but more limited" U.S. support, signaling a bigger role for South Korea in deterring threats from North Korea's conventional weapons, backed by the U.S.' "extended deterrence" against nuclear and other threats from strategic weapons.

Ahn also reportedly underscored the importance of Seoul retaking wartime operational control of its troops to realize a South Korea-led defense of the Korean Peninsula, calling for efforts to step up cooperation to achieve this.

Separately, Colby also met with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac to discuss pending issues regarding the bilateral alliance.

Colby is expected to visit Camp Humphreys, a key U.S. base in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, later in the day, before departing for Japan on Tuesday.

(END)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved