South Korea Plans Naval Expansion Toward Strait of Hormuz

South Korea plans to expand its naval operations toward the Strait of Hormuz, deploying additional military personnel and maritime surveillance assets as tensions surrounding the US-Iran war threaten regional shipping routes.

The Defence Ministry said Thursday that Seoul intends to extend the operational area of its Cheonghae anti-piracy unit from the Gulf of Aden to waters south of Oman, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Under the proposal, South Korea will deploy a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team and unmanned mine-clearance systems.

The unit's personnel strength would increase by 75 to 395, while its operational radius would expand to approximately 1,930 kilometers.

The Cheonghae unit currently operates a 4,400-ton destroyer, a naval helicopter and high-speed patrol boats, protecting commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden.

South Korean officials stressed that the expanded mission would remain strictly non-combat and operate independently of allied military forces.

The unit would not enter the Strait of Hormuz or conduct surveillance of Iranian territory under the proposed mandate.

Any future participation in mine-clearance operations inside the strait would require separate parliamentary approval and conditions allowing safe operations.

The government is seeking parliamentary authorization for the expanded deployment as it attempts to protect maritime trade without becoming directly involved in the US-Iran conflict.

South Korea imported approximately 70% of its oil from the Middle East in 2025, highlighting its dependence on the region's shipping routes.