South Korea to Expand Naval Operations Closer to Strait of Hormuz
South Korea plans to expand its anti-piracy unit toward waters near Oman, adding a patrol aircraft and personnel while insisting the mission remains non-combat.
The update
South Korea plans to expand its anti-piracy Cheonghae unit to waters near Duqm in Oman, about 650 kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz, its defence ministry said. The government will seek approval from President Lee Jae Myung, the cabinet and parliament to extend a deployment due to expire at the end of 2026. Seoul would add a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and 75 personnel, taking the force to no more than 395.
Why it matters
The unit has operated in the Gulf of Aden since 2009 to protect commercial shipping. Officials said the expanded mission is non-combat, will operate independently in open waters south of Oman, and its aircraft will be barred from monitoring Iranian territory or the inside of the strait. The move follows pressure from President Donald Trump for greater support over Iran. South Korea sourced 70% of its oil from the Middle East in 2025, most through Hormuz.
What to watch
Parliament must approve the wider area and the extension before additional forces deploy, possibly from late this year. Korean reporting says the added personnel include an explosive ordnance disposal team and mine-clearing equipment, which could prepare the unit for a future international mine-clearing operation after hostilities end, though officials insist it will not join the war.
Sources
- theguardian.com — report on the expansion plan and its non-combat limits
- koreajoongangdaily.com — Korean reporting on added aircraft, personnel and approval steps
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- Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong Sentenced to 10 Years for Foreign Collusion
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