South Korea has decided to expand the operational scope and capabilities of its naval anti-piracy Cheonghae Unit closer to the Strait of Hormuz. Citing the Ministry of National Defense, public broadcaster KBS reported on Thursday, November 5, 2026, that Seoul is deploying additional troops and advanced military hardware to protect national interests and commercial shipping lanes in the region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, 75 additional personnel will join the Cheonghae Unit, bringing its total strength to 395 members. The proposal includes extending the unit's operational radius to waters south of Duqm Port in Oman—approximately 650 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz—roughly doubling its deployment footprint to 1,930 kilometers. Beyond troop expansion, the defense ministry plans to deploy a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, unmanned mine-countermeasure equipment, and specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams.
Read nextTrump Dismisses Impeachment Threats Post-Midterms: Warns Democrats Would 'Destroy' Their Own PartyWhile Washington and regional partners urged Seoul to bolster security around the energy chokepoint following US-Iran clashes that erupted in February 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung emphasized that the country will not engage in foreign military conflicts. The defense ministry plans to finalize cabinet reviews and presidential authorization before submitting the deployment plan for National Assembly approval, extending the unit's mandate through December 31, 2027. First deployed in 2009 to the Gulf of Aden, the Cheonghae Unit requires annual parliamentary re-authorization for extended missions.
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Reported by International Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
