SEOUL: [Seoul = Newsis] By Seung-wook Ok = The United States, at war with Iran, is intensifying the transfer of US Forces Korea's air defense weapons deployed on the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East.
While some Patriot (PAC-C) missiles have reportedly already been removed, preparations have also been completed for the transfer of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) interceptor missiles to the Middle East.
According to military sources, six THAAD launchers, which moved from Seongju Air Base in North Gyeongsang Province to Osan Air Base early on the morning of the 3rd, returned to Seongju Air Base after unloading only the interceptor missiles in Osan.
Given that each launcher can carry eight missiles, this means that up to 48 interceptor missiles were transferred to Osan.
The THAAD interceptor missiles are reportedly still at Osan Air Base. However, since it has already left its base, it is highly likely that it will soon be transported to the Middle East on a large US military transport aircraft.
THAAD plays a key role in South Korea's anti-North Korean air defense system, intercepting ballistic missiles at high altitudes of up to 150 km. Currently, the only THAAD system deployed on the Korean Peninsula is the THAAD system operated by US Forces Korea.
A potential replacement is the L-SAM, also known as the Korean version of THAAD. However, the L-SAM's operational deployment is scheduled to begin next year. If THAAD is withdrawn from the Korean Peninsula, North Korea will be left without a weapon capable of defending high-altitude areas in case of miscalculation.
Some have raised the possibility that if the Iranian war is prolonged, not only air defense weapons but also ground weapons such as the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and Advanced Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and even troops could be withdrawn.
The government emphasizes that the withdrawal of some US Forces Korea forces will not affect its readiness posture.
At the 9th Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on the 10th, President Lee stated, "While we oppose the USFK's withdrawal of some air defense weapons based on our country's military needs, the undeniable reality is that we cannot fully implement our position."
Regarding the withdrawal of USFK air defense weapons, he stated, "If you ask whether this will significantly impede our deterrence strategy against North Korea, I can say absolutely not."
[Seoul = Newsis]
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