The United States is considering relocating key missile defence systems and military assets from South Korea to the Middle East as its ongoing military campaign against Iran shows signs of extending beyond initial expectations. According to coverage by Loval Media in South Korea, such a move could have significant implications for stability on the Korean Peninsula.
In an interview with The New York Times on the 1st local time, US President Donald Trump predicted that the military operation against Iran, codenamed “Epic Fury”, would last four to five weeks. However, defence analysts warn that if American air strikes continue beyond that period, forces and equipment currently stationed in South Korea may be redirected to reinforce operations in the Middle East.
Assets under consideration reportedly include advanced air defence systems operated by United States Forces Korea, notably Patriot missile batteries and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, known as THAAD. Surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, including the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles permanently stationed at Gunsan Air Base last year, are also viewed as potential candidates for redeployment.
There is precedent for such a move. In June last year, prior to the “Midnight Hammer” operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, Washington cyclically deployed three of the eight Patriot batteries assigned to United States Forces Korea to the Middle East. More than 500 personnel accompanied the deployment to prepare for possible retaliatory attacks from Iran. Those troops and systems returned to South Korea in October.
Attention has also turned to the THAAD battery based in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province. The Financial Times previously cited a US military official as saying that up to 150 THAAD interceptors were expended during last year’s “12-day war”, prompting concerns about missile stockpiles should the conflict with Iran become prolonged. Experts suggest that sustained operations could compel Washington to draw more heavily on its overseas assets.
Shin Jong-woo, Secretary-General of the Korea Defence Research Forum, said that if the air strikes continue, the United States is likely to make use of the combat power and resources of its forces in South Korea. Im Cheol-gyun, a senior research fellow at the Korea Research Institute for Strategy, warned that redeploying air defence systems could pose serious challenges for South Korea, which faces ongoing ballistic missile threats from North Korea.
Officials in Seoul have acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter. A source at Cheong Wa Dae stated that consultations between South Korea and the United States are always held regarding the operational use of US forces stationed on the peninsula, adding that discussions are under way to ensure that the joint defence posture is not compromised.
United States Forces Korea declined to comment directly when approached, referring enquiries to the US Department of Defense. Meanwhile, South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back held a telephone conversation on the 2nd at the request of US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. According to the Ministry of National Defense, Ahn was briefed on the US position regarding operations against Iran, and both sides reaffirmed the strength of the South Korea–US alliance amid a rapidly evolving international security environment.
