Seoul plans to expand its anti-piracy naval mission near Oman, deploying maritime patrol aircraft and mine-clearance teams to help protect commercial shipping without joining the Iran war.
SEOUL: South Korea has announced plans to expand its naval security mission towards the Strait of Hormuz, deploying additional military assets to help protect international shipping and safeguard energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.
South Korea’s Defence Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the operational area of its Cheonghae anti-piracy naval unit would be expanded from the Gulf of Aden towards waters south of Oman near the strategic waterway.
The planned deployment includes a destroyer, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team, unmanned surface vessels, underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles for underwater operations.
The additional deployment is expected to increase the unit’s personnel by 75, bringing its total strength to approximately 395.
However, Seoul has emphasised that the mission is intended for maritime security and non-combat purposes rather than direct military involvement in the Iran war.
A South Korean defence ministry official said operations would remain restricted to international waters south of Oman. Maritime patrol aircraft would not target or monitor Iranian territory, territorial waters or the interior of the Strait of Hormuz.
The government will seek parliamentary approval to extend the Cheonghae unit’s deployment and revise its operational mandate, which is currently authorised until December 31, 2026.
South Korea’s decision comes amid growing international concerns over disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy route that normally handles approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies.
The country is particularly dependent on energy shipments from the Middle East, making the security of international maritime routes an important economic priority.
The expanded mission could also prepare South Korea for potential post-war mine-clearance operations in the region, subject to appropriate security conditions and further parliamentary approval.
President Lee Jae Myung has maintained that South Korea will avoid military involvement that could draw the country directly into the conflict.
The planned deployment therefore represents an expansion of maritime security responsibilities while maintaining Seoul’s stated position against direct intervention in the Iran war.
The parliamentary approval process and final operational arrangements remain important steps before the expanded mission can proceed.
