South Korea Expands Cheonghae Unit's Operations Near Hormuz Strait

The South Korean government has decided to significantly expand the operational area of the Cheonghae Unit to include waters near the Hormuz Strait, along with the deployment of additional maritime patrol aircraft and mine clearance capabilities.

On November 10, during the 48th National Security Council meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House, the government approved a revised agreement to extend the deployment of military forces to the waters off southern Oman and the Aden Gulf.

The key aspect of this revised agreement is the expansion of the Cheonghae Unit's activities, which have been ongoing in the Aden Gulf since 2009, to include waters closer to the strategically significant Hormuz Strait. This move aims to ensure the safety of vessels amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The military capabilities will also be strengthened. In addition to the existing destroyer forces, one P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, and unmanned mine clearance equipment will be deployed. The mission will now include a new task to support 'freedom of navigation in international maritime routes,' alongside existing duties of responding to piracy and protecting commercial vessels. This is seen as a preparatory measure for potential participation in international mine clearance operations in the Hormuz Strait after the end of hostilities.

The Ministry of National Defense stated that it will ensure the protection of South Korean citizens and vessels under a principle of non-involvement in wars. Minister of National Defense Kang Shin-cheol previously emphasized this principle during a National Assembly Defense Committee meeting.

However, some lawmakers and civil society groups have expressed concerns that this move may be a de facto 'indirect deployment' aimed at participating in military operations in the Hormuz Strait amid the U.S.-Iran conflict. The government clarified that any direct military operations, such as mine clearance in the strait, would require separate approval from the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the revised agreement approved on this day will undergo final approval procedures after being submitted to the National Assembly following the President's endorsement. Additionally, an agreement to extend the deployment of the Akh unit, which supports training for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) military, was also passed during the National Security Council meeting.