South Korea Opposes U.S. Plan to Move Air Defenses to Middle East

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said his government opposes plans by the United States to redeploy some air defense systems stationed in South Korea to the Middle East, while stressing that the move would not significantly weaken the country’s deterrence against North Korea. Lee made the remarks during a cabinet meeting on March 10, 2026.

According to Lee, certain air defense assets operated by U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) could be relocated abroad depending on Washington’s military requirements. He noted that Seoul had conveyed its opposition to such a move but acknowledged that the United States ultimately controls the deployment of its own military equipment.

Reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Defense is considering moving parts of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and possibly Patriot missile defense batteries from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East. The potential redeployment comes as the United States seeks to reinforce regional defenses amid rising tensions involving Iran.

Despite the concerns raised in Seoul, Lee emphasized that South Korea’s overall defense posture against North Korea would remain intact even if some U.S. air defense assets are moved. He added that the country continues to strengthen its own defense capabilities while maintaining close military coordination with the United States.