The operational area of the Cheonghae Unit has been expanded from the waters off Somalia to the southern offshore of Oman, with a deployment extension agreement approved by the Cabinet on November 10.
The Ministry of National Defense announced that the "Agreement on the Extension of Deployment of the Armed Forces in the Waters off Somalia and the Southern Offshore of Oman" was approved during the Cabinet meeting and will soon be submitted to the National Assembly after completing the remaining procedures.
It added, "We have established measures to strengthen the mission of the Cheonghae Unit to protect our citizens and safeguard economic interests," explaining that the unit will enhance its capabilities with maritime patrol aircraft and mine countermeasure support.
The expanded operational area will extend to the southern end of Duqm Port in Oman. The straight-line distance between Duqm Port and the Strait of Hormuz is approximately 650 kilometers, and the waters of Oman Bay adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz are not included in this expanded area.
The number of deployed personnel will increase from the current limit of 320 to a maximum of 395, adding 75 personnel. The additional forces will consist of 45 personnel for operating maritime patrol aircraft and 30 for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
In addition to the existing deployment of one 4,400-ton destroyer, one maritime operation helicopter, and up to three high-speed boats, the agreement includes the addition of one maritime patrol aircraft, EOD capabilities, and unmanned mine countermeasure equipment. The unmanned mine countermeasure assets will include unmanned surface vessels (USVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs).
The Ministry of National Defense plans to expand surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities against maritime threats such as piracy and to secure the ability to respond to underwater threats like mines through this enhancement. The deployment period under the agreement is set until December 31 of next year.
Regarding the mission expansion, the Ministry emphasized, "Our Cheonghae Unit will operate under the principle of absolute non-involvement in war, maintaining an independent command structure, and will focus on protecting our citizens and vessels."
Additionally, the Cabinet meeting also approved an extension agreement for the deployment of military support for training in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
* This article has been translated by AI.
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