The move also aims to prepare for potential mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
The expansion will include a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team and unmanned mine-clearing equipment. An additional 75 personnel will bring the unit's total strength to 395.
The ministry said the deployment is primarily aimed at responding to increasing piracy off Somalia, where reported incidents have more than tripled from 11 throughout 2025 to 36 so far this year.
Officials attributed the increase partly to multinational naval forces being redirected toward the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflicts, leaving fewer resources available for anti-piracy operations.
The expanded mission will extend the Cheonghae Unit's operational area from the Gulf of Aden to waters south of Oman, allowing the P-8A to monitor a wider area and detect potential threats to commercial vessels.
While emphasizing that the deployment is intended to protect South Korean nationals and shipping rather than involve the country in the ongoing war involving Iran, the ministry acknowledged that the additional mine-clearing capabilities could also help prepare for future operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials said there were no confirmed mine threats in the planned operational area, but deploying EOD personnel and unmanned systems would allow South Korean forces to gain experience operating the equipment and training alongside multinational forces.
The ministry stressed that preparations for potential Hormuz operations were not the primary purpose of the expansion.
Any future participation in mine-clearing operations inside the Strait of Hormuz would require a "permissive environment," such as an end to hostilities between the United States and Iran or an agreement allowing safe operations.
A separate parliamentary approval would also be required, even if Washington or other international partners requested South Korea's participation.
The ministry outlined four principles for the expanded deployment: no involvement in the war, protection of South Korean nationals and vessels, operations limited to waters south of Oman, and independent command under South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Djibouti is being considered as a base for the additional assets, although no specific facility has been selected.
The government plans to seek parliamentary approval for the revised deployment mandate, which would remain valid through Dec. 31, 2027.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
