The U.S. military has relocated Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missiles from South Korea to the Middle East, following intensified conflict with Iran. Six truck-mounted THAAD launchers, temporarily moved to Osan Air Base south of Seoul, returned to Seongju after unloading the interceptors, which are now set for transport via U.S. military aircraft.
One THAAD battery has been stationed in Seongju, 215 kilometers southeast of Seoul, since 2016 to counter North Korean threats. Each launcher holds up to eight interceptors; full loading of the six would account for 48 missiles. The Washington Post first reported the Pentagon’s redeployment, citing officials, as U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran since February 28 have killed over 1,200 people, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting U.S. assets. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated during a cabinet meeting that Seoul opposes the move but lacks authority to halt it, emphasizing it does not undermine deterrence against North Korea given South Korea’s superior conventional forces.
The relocation highlights strain on U.S. air defense resources, with prior THAAD units in the Middle East reportedly suffering losses from Iranian strikes. South Korean media note rising public security concerns amid potential gaps in regional defenses against North Korea and China.