– South Korea is reviewing plans to expand the operational area of one of its naval units operating around Somalia to the Gulf of Oman and deploy an additional maritime patrol aircraft amid increased shipping concerns, JoongAng daily reported Friday.
– The Cheonghae Unit has operated in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia since 2009, escorting South Korean vessels and protecting them from piracy.
– The proposed expansion would require adding a clause to the unit’s deployment consent motion to cover other waters during emergencies involving South Korean nationals.
– The government is also considering deploying a long-range maritime surveillance aircraft, potentially a P-8A Poseidon.
– The Cheonghae Unit currently consists of one 4,400-ton-class destroyer, one maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid-hull inflatable boats, and up to 320 service members.
– South Korea’s Defense Ministry denied that the review to expand the unit’s operational range was a response to a US request for troop deployment, saying it was considering submitting an extension motion before the current deployment authorization expires. It added that no details had been finalized.
– There was no immediate official confirmation from Seoul on the issue.
– The Gulf of Oman links the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea.
– The discussions come as Seoul weighs possible contributions to efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid pressure from Washington.
– The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial energy corridor for South Korea, while the conflict involving Iran and increased activity by Yemen’s Houthi group around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have raised concerns over shipping and crude supplies.