Announcement by the ministry of national defence comes amid speculation that Pyongyang is preparing for a seventh nuclear weapons test.

The strategic command will be launched by 2024, the Yonhap News Agency here reports. It is expected to comprehensively command such assets as F-35A stealth fighters, reconnaissance satellites, ballistic missiles and interceptor missiles.

South Korea maintains a “three-axis” response system against missile attacks by its northern neighbour: the Kill Chain preemptive-strike system; the Korea air and missile defence system for shooting down missiles; and the Korea massive punishment and retaliation plan for after an attack by the North.

Military assets critical to all three parts are commanded by different branches, such as the army being in charge of ballistic missiles and the air force overseeing fighter jets. Each branch issues orders to its units to deploy the weapons based on operation plans drawn up by the joint chiefs of staff.

Having a strategic command will allow various combinations of weapons from the three branches, such as mixed use of missiles, fighters and submarines, enabling smoother execution of complex operations.

Uncertainty surrounding South Korea’s security is growing, President Yoon Suk-yeol told a meeting of senior military leaders yesterday, emphasising the need for strong defence capabilities to protect national interests.

Under leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea test-launched at least 28 ballistic missiles in the first half of 2022 – already surpassing the annual record.