Just over 10 days into the war, the United States reportedly moved parts of the Terminal High Altitude Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system from South Korea to the Middle East in the wake of a widening
war in Iran.
According to a report by the Washington Post, citing officials familiar with the matter, the Pentagon is moving parts of a THAAD system from South Korea to the Middle East, as the United States consumed USD 5.6 billion worth of munitions during the first two days of its military strikes on Iran.
Footage shows all six THAAD launchers being removed from the U.S. base in Seongju, South Korea, being redeployed to the Middle East.
The withdrawal will weaken South Korea’s missile defense layer, as THAAD provides the system’s highest-altitude interception capability.
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The redeployment comes as the THAAD units deployed in the region have suffered attacks and serious combat losses, Song Zhongping, a military affairs expert, told the Global Times.
Why The Redeployment Matters?
The THAAD anti-missile system, designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles, is one of the most powerful weapons owned by the US military.
THAAD is the only US missile defense system that can target and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles both inside or outside the atmosphere.
Reports suggest the redeployment of the THAAD anti-missile system aims to strengthen the US military capability in the Middle East, while bolstering regional defense against Iran.
Why South Korea Feels Rattled?
It’s been almost a decade since the United States deployed THAAD in the South Korean village of Seongju and as a result, it emerged as a key location in the country’s ability to tackle a threat from North Korea.
At the time, the conservative government in Seoul argued that THAAD was the most effective way to locate and destroy North Korean missiles before they threatened the South.
The deployment had also angered China and Russia, which claimed the deployment could pose a threat to their security.
Cut to 2026, the redeployment of the THAAD casts a shadow over the US’ commitment to provide security to South Korea — America’s most significant east Asian partner — amid surging threats and the sabre-rattling by the North.
Seoul has opposed the move, even as South Korea’s liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, sought to reassure the public that the country was able to counter threats from the North, even if the US redeployed military assets to West Asia.
“If asked whether that would seriously hinder our deterrence strategy against North Korea, I can say with certainty that it would not”, Lee said, as quoted by The Guardian.
Cross-Border Threats Remain A Concern
Under the leadership of Kim Jong-Un, North Korea test-fired another strategic cruise missiles from the Choe Hyon destroyer, state media Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday.
The North’s leader observed the test via video and said it is important to maintain and expand a “powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent.”
North Korea conducted a similar strategic cruise missile test from the destroyer last week.
The move by the United States to redeploy the THAAD assets to the Middle East could temporarily weaken the perception of layered missile defence against the North’s expanding missile arsenal.
Earlier, North Korea issued statement supporting Iran and slamming the US and Israeli military operations as an “unlawful military attack” and a “despicable form of violation of national sovereignty”.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran amid stalled negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
