South Korea intends to broaden the operational scope of its anti-piracy Cheonghae unit to waters proximate to the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Ministry of Defence. This decision follows diplomatic pressure from the United States to increase support for regional security initiatives.
The government is preparing to present a motion to the National Assembly seeking parliamentary approval to extend the unit's deployment in the Middle East, a mandate currently scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026. A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed the report, which was initially published by Yonhap News Agency.
The Cheonghae unit has been deployed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, with the primary objective of ensuring the secure passage of commercial vessels. Its current composition includes a 4,400-ton class destroyer, a maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid-hull inflatable boats, and approximately 300 military personnel, as reported by broadcaster YTN.
The proposed parliamentary motion, which requires endorsement from President Lee Jae Myung and the cabinet, would extend the unit's operational zone to include waters near the Omani port of Duqm, situated roughly 650 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Seoul plans to deploy a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and augment the unit's personnel by 75 individuals, according to The Korea Herald.
This development occurs amidst concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding what he termed insufficient South Korean support for regional stability. These concerns were underscored by a reduction in major joint military drills between the two nations' armed forces earlier this year, a measure that caused unease for the U.S. ally. South Korea's economic security is closely linked to the region, with approximately 70% of its oil imports sourced from the Middle East in 2025, the majority transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
President Lee had previously stated on September 18 that South Korea would not deploy military assets to the Middle East in a manner that could entangle the nation in conflict. However, he acknowledged that Seoul was actively reviewing options to assume a more significant role in safeguarding maritime navigation within the region.
