South Korea Plans to Expand Anti-Piracy Mission Closer to Strait of Hormuz

South Korea plans to extend the operating area of its anti-piracy Cheonghae naval unit to waters closer to the Strait of Hormuz, as Seoul considers a greater role in protecting commercial shipping amid the war involving Iran.

The Defence Ministry said the government would submit a motion to parliament to extend the unit’s deployment in the Middle East, which is due to expire at the end of 2026. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the plan following a report by Yonhap News Agency.

The Cheonghae unit has operated in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, with a mission to protect commercial vessels and support safe navigation in waters affected by piracy.

The force currently includes a 4,400-tonne destroyer, a maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid-hull inflatable boats and around 300 service personnel, according to South Korean broadcaster YTN.

Under the proposed changes, the unit’s area of operation would extend towards waters near the Omani port of Duqm, approximately 650 kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal requires parliamentary approval, as well as endorsement by President Lee Jae Myung and the Cabinet.

South Korea is also expected to deploy a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and increase the unit’s personnel by 75, the Korea Herald reported.

The move comes after US President Donald Trump criticised Seoul for what he described as insufficient support for the war against Iran. Washington has pressed South Korea to contribute to efforts related to the conflict, while tensions over the issue have added to pressure on the US ally.

Trump also scaled back major joint military exercises with South Korea’s armed forces during the summer, a decision that caused concern in Seoul.

South Korea has a significant economic interest in maintaining access to Middle Eastern energy supplies. The country relies heavily on imported oil and obtained around 70 per cent of its supplies from the region in 2025, most of which passed through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Industry Ministry.

The strategic waterway is a major route for global energy shipments, and disruptions to shipping could affect South Korea’s energy security and industrial activity.

President Lee said on September 18 that South Korea would not deploy military assets in the Middle East in a way that could draw the country into the conflict. He added, however, that the government was reviewing options for taking a greater role in protecting navigation in the region.

The proposed expansion would allow the Cheonghae unit to operate closer to the key shipping corridor while maintaining its stated focus on maritime security. The parliamentary decision will determine whether the mission proceeds under the revised deployment plan.