South Korea's president has sought to reassure the public that the country remains capable of deterring threats from North Korea, following reports that the United States is moving parts of its THAAD missile defence system out of the country for deployment in the Middle East. The redeployment has sparked doubts over Washington's security commitment to its key East Asian ally.
The US-made Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system was deployed in Seongju, South Korea, nearly a decade ago to counter North Korean ballistic missiles. The move angered China and Russia, who claimed the system's powerful radar could compromise their security. Now, US media reports indicate the Pentagon is moving parts of the system to the Middle East amid the war with Iran.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told a cabinet meeting that the redeployment would not seriously hinder the country's deterrence strategy against North Korea. He noted that Seoul had opposed the redeployment of US artillery batteries and air-defence units, but stressed that South Korea's defence budget, among the highest in the world, is estimated to be 1.4 times greater than North Korea's gross domestic product.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed that US and South Korean militaries were discussing the possible redeployment of some Patriot missile defence systems to the Middle East. South Korean media reported that some missile batteries might be sent to US bases in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. A US Forces Korea official declined to comment on operational security grounds.
Experts warn that the weakening of US defences in South Korea could embolden North Korea. Choi Gi-il, a military studies professor at Sangji University, said there is a risk that North Korea could miscalculate the relocation as a pretext for low-level provocations. Japan is also affected, with two US guided-missile destroyers based in Yokosuka currently deployed in the Arabian Sea, raising concerns from opposition politicians about the use of Japanese bases for Middle East operations.
The JoongAng Daily, a conservative South Korean newspaper, said any reduction in the country's ability to defend itself inevitably raises concerns. The government should ensure that redeployed assets return promptly after their missions end, it added.
