South Korea, US strengthen nuclear planning with joint simulation drills

South Korea and the United States conducted crucial simulation drills in Washington this week to bolster their nuclear deterrence strategy.

The exercises, which took place on September 5-6, marked the first tabletop simulation (TTS) of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), the primary dialogue body for nuclear deterrence between the two allies, Caliber.Az reports via Korean media.

The drills involved key officials from the national security, military, diplomatic, and intelligence sectors of both countries. According to a joint statement from Seoul's defence ministry and the Pentagon, the TTS sessions played a significant role in enhancing the NCG's effectiveness. They focused on improving cooperative decision-making processes related to nuclear deterrence and planning for potential nuclear scenarios on the Korean Peninsula.

During the exercises, the US reiterated its "ironclad" commitment to extended deterrence for South Korea, emphasizing its readiness to employ the full spectrum of its military capabilities, including nuclear options, to protect its ally.

The TTS drills followed a recent session of the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, another key bilateral deterrence forum, held in Washington on Wednesday.

The heightened focus on deterrence comes amid North Korea's intensified nuclear and missile development and its growing military ties with Russia. Diplomatic efforts to address North Korea's nuclear threats have stalled, and there are concerns that Pyongyang might engage in provocative actions before the upcoming US presidential election.

The NCG was established in July of last year, in accordance with the Washington Declaration issued by President Yoon Suk Yeol and US President Joe Biden during their summit in April. The group aims to reinforce the credibility of America's extended deterrence commitment to South Korea.