Esper urges ROK to increase defence spending
Mark Esper, US Secretary of Defence has urged his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo to contribute more to his nation’s own security.
He reiterated Washington’s commitment to the defence of the ROK but said: ‘Shouldering the cost of the common defence cannot fall disproportionately to the American taxpayer.’
The comments were made during Jeong’s visit to the Pentagon on 24 February.
It comes after the US has made repeated calls for its security partners across the world to increase their commitments to security partnerships. Most notably, this has been the case in Europe where smaller nations have been urged to increase their funding contributions to NATO.
In August 2019, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) revealed plans to spend $239bn between 2020 and 2024. Any increase in ROK defence spending is likely to benefit US companies as the country remains a top customer of FMS. Between 2008 and 2016, 75% of South Korea’s foreign military purchases originated from the US.
By 2023, 36% of defence spending in South Korea will contribute to ‘force enhancement’ according to a 2018 defence white paper.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
