America intends to move its air defenses from South Korea

SEOUL, March. 04 (YPA) – The Korean Chosun Daily Newspaper reported that the United States intends to transfer its air defenses, including THAAD and Patriot systems, from South Korea to the Middle East to avoid depleting its stockpiles.

Military experts believe that the transferable assets include: Patriot air defense systems deployed at US bases in Korea, and THAAD battery stationed in Seongju, North Gyeongsang province, in addition to the MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance and surveillance drones permanently stationed at Gunsan Air Base since last year.

It’s noteworthy that Korean experts have expressed concern about the impact of this transfer on their country’s national security.

Meanwhile, Shin Jong-woo, Secretary-General of the Korea Defense Research Forum, said: “If the air strikes continue, the United States is likely to use the combat capabilities and assets of US forces in Korea.”

In June 2025, the United States withdrew 3 of its 8 Patriot missile batteries from its forces in Korea to the Middle East, along with more than 500 troops, prior to its aggression against Iranian nuclear facilities.