USFK may send Patriot missiles to Middle East

U.S. Patriot missile defense battery equipment is seen at Camp Humphreys, a sprawling U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. Yonhap

U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) may be or is suspected of preparing to deploy some of its Patriot batteries to the Middle East, as tensions escalate following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Korean authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have not ruled out the possibility that USFK assets could be moved to the region.

According to local reports, USFK recently relocated several Patriot missile defense launchers and interceptors from other U.S. bases in Korea to Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

In addition to the missile batteries already stationed there, additional equipment was deployed as of Thursday, noticeably increasing the number of launchers at the base.

U.S. military transport aircraft, including C-17 and C-5 cargo planes, were also spotted at the site on the same day. The C-17 was previously used to transport two USFK Patriot batteries to the Middle East between March and April last year, just months before Washington carried out airstrikes on Iran in June under Operation Midnight Hammer. The two Patriot units returned to Korea in October.

The developments come amid growing speculation that USFK assets could be redeployed to support U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Demand for interceptor missiles and air defense systems has increased as tensions spread across the region after the Feb. 28 U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Both Korean and U.S. officials have maintained an ambiguous stance on the issue.

"For operational security reasons, we do not comment on the movement, relocation or potential repositioning of specific military capabilities or assets," a USFK official said when asked about the speculation.

"USFK remains focused on maintaining a strong, ready and combat-credible force posture on the Korean Peninsula. The United States remains firmly committed to the defense of the Republic of Korea," the official added, referring to Korea by its official name.

A senior official at the presidential office said it would be inappropriate for the Korean government to comment on the operational management of USFK, though government sources indicated discussions between the allies have taken place.

"The mission of USFK is to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region by maintaining a strong combined defense posture with Korean forces. To that end, Korea and the United States will continue close communication and coordination," the official said.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said discussions on the issue are being handled between the military authorities of the two countries.

"In general, the military authorities of both countries maintain close consultations regarding the deployment of strategic assets," Cho said during a parliamentary session, declining to comment directly on the possible relocation of Patriot systems.

Smoke rises after an airstrike in central Tehran, Iran, Friday (local time), as a joint Israeli-U.S. military operation continues to target multiple locations across Iran since Feb. 28. EPA-Yonhap

Military sources say USFK typically does not provide detailed prior notice to Seoul regarding the movement of specific assets, as such decisions are made by Washington. While the stationing of about 28,500 U.S. troops on the Korean Peninsula is stipulated under bilateral agreements, the redeployment of weapons systems and the rotation of units are considered operational matters decided by the U.S.

Other U.S. weapons stationed in Korea that could potentially be deployed to support operations in the Middle East include the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system.

The conflict in the Middle East has increasingly taken the form of missile and air strikes. Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against nearby Gulf states, making it critical for the U.S. and Gulf nations to ensure a steady supply of air defense weapons and interceptor missiles.

However, the redeployment of key USFK assets could raise concerns in Seoul, as it could create gaps in air defense on the Korean Peninsula, where Patriot systems play a crucial role in defending against Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threats.

Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University, said that the issue reflects broader discussions between the allies about "alliance modernization," a concept that focuses on expanding the role of USFK beyond deterring Pyongyang to potential military contingencies in the wider region.

"Under that framework, the U.S. is likely to further solidify its strategy of deploying USFK assets beyond the Korean Peninsula wherever needed," Park said.