Experts have suggested that US military assets and personnel stationed in South Korea may be deployed to the Middle East after US President Donald Trump forecasted that Operation Epic Fury would last between four and five weeks during an interview with The New York Times on Sunday.
Systems that may be relocated include air defense systems from US Forces Korea (USFK), such as Patriot missiles and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. In addition, surveillance and reconnaissance resources, such as MQ-9 Reaper drones, which have been stationed at Gunsan Air Base in South Korea since last year, might also be reassigned to support the operation.
Last June, prior to Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites, the US deployed three of its eight Patriot batteries to the Middle East to brace for potential Iranian retaliation, with the system returning to South Korea in October 2025.
There is also speculation that the THAAD battery stationed in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, could be sent to the region. The Financial Times reported in June 2025 that up to 150 THAAD missiles were used during Israel's "12-day war" with Iran, raising concerns about a potential missile shortage if the conflict extends further.
South Korean officials comment on potential air defense redeployment
Shin Jong-woo, Secretary-General of the Korea Defense Research Forum, emphasized that if airstrikes continue, US assets in South Korea are likely to be deployed to the Middle East. Im Cheol-gyun, senior research fellow at the Korea Research Institute for Strategy, warned that deploying USFK air defense systems could pose serious challenges, especially considering South Korea’s own missile threats from North Korea.
A Cheong Wa Dae source confirmed that South Korea and the US routinely consult on the operational use of USFK forces, adding that they are currently gathering opinions to ensure that the joint defense posture remains unaffected. In response to inquiries, the USFK referred questions to the US Department of Defense.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held a phone conversation with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby on Monday to discuss Operation Epic Fury.
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense stated that both sides reiterated the strength of the South Korea-US alliance in light of a rapidly shifting international security landscape.