South Korea uneasy as US moves air defenses to Middle East

"Patriot and THAAD batteries are central to the US-South Korea shield against North Korean ballistic missiles, so their withdrawal would carry serious security implications for Seoul."

"The USFK may dispatch some air defense systems abroad, in accordance with its own military needs. While we have expressed our opposition, the reality is that we cannot fully push through our position."

"It is a problem and there seems to be little that the government can do. In the past, we had confidence that Korea was in good hands."

North Korea fired 10 ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, emphasizing South Korea's critical need for robust missile defense capabilities. Simultaneously, the US is transferring Patriot and THAAD anti-missile batteries from South Korea to the Middle East to support operations amid tensions with Iran. South Korean officials have expressed opposition to these withdrawals, recognizing their serious security implications. The Korea Herald highlighted that these systems are central to the US-South Korea defense against North Korean threats. A significant concern exists that these systems may not return to South Korea once the Middle East crisis resolves, as the Trump administration pressures allies to assume greater responsibility for their own defense.

Read at www.dw.com