South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Tuesday that Seoul cannot prevent U.S. forces stationed in the country from redeploying certain military assets, following reports that Patriot missile defence systems were being sent to support operations in the Middle East.
“It appears there is recent controversy over U.S. Forces in Korea shipping some weapons, such as artillery batteries and air-defence systems, out of the country,” Lee said during a cabinet meeting. He noted that while South Korea had expressed its opposition, it was not in a position to demand otherwise.
President Lee reassured that the redeployment of some U.S. weapons would not compromise South Korea’s deterrence strategy against North Korea, citing Seoul’s higher defence spending and superior conventional military capabilities compared with its northern neighbour.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed discussions with U.S. military officials regarding the possible relocation of Patriot missile defence batteries based in South Korea for use in the Middle East conflict. Local media reported that the batteries had been shipped from Osan Air Base and were likely destined for U.S. military installations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, though authorities in Seoul have not officially confirmed these details.
The redeployment comes as U.S. and Israeli forces continue targeting strategic sites inside Iran in a campaign that President Donald Trump has described as aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities.
South Korea hosts a significant U.S. military presence, with around 28,500 troops stationed on the peninsula, alongside air-defence systems including Patriot missile interceptors, as part of combined defence efforts against North Korea’s nuclear threats.
