Seoul to expand scope of anti-piracy task force in response to Middle East conflict

Republic of Korea Navy Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin (KDX-II) class destroyer ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin (DDH 975) (US Navy)

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced a plan to expand the operational scope and mission objectives of the country's anti-piracy task force known as the Cheonghae Unit.

The expansion is being proposed in response to the security environment in the Middle East, said MND spokesperson Jeong Bit-na in a media briefing on 5 November.

The operational area for the anti-piracy unit will be expanded beyond the Gulf of Aden to include the high seas south of Oman, Jeong added in response to questions from reporters at the briefing.

Jeong said the prolonged conflict in the Middle East had created a power gap in the Gulf of Aden, where piracy had increased sharply.

To protect civilian shipping and adapt to these threats, the South Korean government is proposing to expand the unit's mission profile to include assets such as a maritime patrol aircraft, and an explosive ordnance disposal unit, Jeong said.

While Jeong did not specify the type of aircraft in her response, it is almost certain that she is referring to the P-8A Poseidon operated by the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).

Jeong emphasised that the proposal is not meant to get South Korean forces involved in the conflict.

Instead, she pointed to how over 70% of South Korea's oil shipment passes through the region as a reason as to why Seoul needs to support freedom of navigation in the region.

Proposals for the expansion will be formally tabled to the country's National Assembly for approval, Jeong added.

For more, please see South Korea begins detailed design, construction of lead KDDX ship