The key facts

  • The Cheonghae unit has protected South Korean vessels from pirates off the coast of Somalia since 2009
  • Deployment of a long-range maritime patrol aircraft, possibly a P-8A Poseidon, is being considered
  • South Korea's Defense Ministry denies that the review is linked to a US request to send troops

Expanding the operating zone

South Korea is considering a plan to expand the operating zone of one of its naval units operating off the coast of Somalia to the Gulf of Oman, as well as to deploy an additional maritime patrol aircraft amid growing concerns over shipping, the JoongAng Daily newspaper reported on Friday. The Cheonghae unit has been operating in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia since 2009, escorting South Korean vessels and protecting them from pirates.

Required changes and equipment

According to the newspaper, the expansion would require adding to the bill consenting to the unit's deployment a clause allowing operations in other waters during emergencies involving South Korean citizens. The government is also considering the deployment of a long-range maritime surveillance aircraft, potentially a P-8A Poseidon. Currently, the Cheonghae unit consists of one 4,400-ton destroyer, one maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid inflatable boats, and up to 320 service members.

Defense Ministry's position and context

South Korea's Defense Ministry denied that the review of the unit's operating zone is a response to a US request to send troops, saying it is considering submitting a bill to extend the deployment before the current authorization expires. The ministry added that no details have been approved. No official confirmation from Seoul on the matter immediately followed. The discussions come as Seoul weighs a possible contribution to ensuring safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz under pressure from Washington. The Gulf of Oman connects the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea. The Strait of Hormuz is a key energy corridor for South Korea, and a conflict involving Iran and increased activity by Yemen's Houthis near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have raised concerns over shipping and oil supplies.