General Xavier Brunson, Commander of US Forces Korea (USFK), has cited the strengthening of surveillance and detection capabilities as the core mission regarding the US Army's Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF), which is being pushed for deployment to the Korean Peninsula. Interpretations suggest the deployment is intended to keep not only North Korea, but also China and Russia in check.

On the 13th (local time), speaking at a dialogue hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., Commander Brunson stated that the purpose of deploying the MDTF is "to establish a multi-layered sensing architecture on the Korean Peninsula."

The MDTF is a US Army special unit that integrates operations across land, sea, air, space, cyberspace, and electronic warfare. Currently, the deployment of the 2nd MDTF, stationed in Germany, to the Korean Peninsula is being pursued.

Commander Brunson explained that space, cyber, and electronic warfare capabilities will be utilized to monitor military movements on and around the Korean Peninsula. In particular, he hinted that the deployment targets China, stating, "Draw a line between Beijing and Seoul on the map."

High-altitude balloons were also presented as a surveillance means. The concept is that by equipping balloons with surveillance devices and keeping them aloft in the airspace for extended periods, the movements and military facilities of the North Korean military can be continuously monitored. Commander Brunson said, "Imagine a scenario where balloons are tethered near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)."

He also expressed vigilance regarding North Korea's military buildup. He explained that through its participation in the war in Ukraine, North Korea has secured electronic jamming technology and practical missile combat data from Russia, while also gaining experience in long-range logistics and troop operations.

In response, he emphasized that the combined forces of South Korea and the US must be dispersed across multiple regions, presenting a plan to adjust the missions of K9 self-propelled howitzers and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System).

He also outlined a vision to utilize South Korea as a regional logistics support hub. The intent is to repair USFK equipment in South Korea rather than sending it back to the US, thereby supporting surrounding regions.

Regarding the wartime operational control (OPCON) transition, he stressed that agreed-upon conditions must be met. The OPCON transition is a measure to change the combined military command structure during wartime from US-led to South Korean-led.

Commander Brunson stated, "I fully support a conditions-based transition." However, he emphasized that if the transition occurs without acquiring the necessary military capabilities, he will report the resulting risks to the US President.

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