General Brunson emphasizes industrial strength for ROK-US deterrence

General Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, addressed approximately 200 business leaders at a luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea. During the event, Brunson stated that credible deterrence requires more than military platforms, noting that it requires the industrial strength to sustain them.

Brunson described Korean and American industry leaders as an “inseparable part of our combined defense system” and partners in deterrence rather than just suppliers. The discussion, which included U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Michelle Park Steel, focused on strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance through security, prosperity, and partnership.

Key topics included Korea’s potential role as a regional sustainment hub, defense-industrial cooperation, and the intersection of economic and national security. Participants examined how policy coordination and regulatory predictability can support business investment and innovation within the alliance.