US Moves THAAD Missile Defence Components From South Korea to Middle East Amid Iran Conflict

By Blessing Nweke

The United States is relocating parts of its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system from South Korea to the Middle East as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies, according to officials cited by the Washington Post and South Korean media.

The move comes nearly two weeks after the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has seen an exchange of heavy missile and drone attacks across the region. Iran has reportedly launched more than 500 ballistic missiles during the conflict, targeting Israeli territory and US military bases.

The THAAD system, first deployed in South Korea in 2017 to defend against threats from nuclear-armed North Korea, is designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at high altitude. The advanced system uses “hit-to-kill” technology, where the interceptor destroys an incoming warhead using kinetic energy rather than explosives.

Reports indicate that some THAAD launchers are already being transported from the US military base in Seongju, south of Seoul, to reinforce missile defence capabilities in the Middle East. The redeployment follows claims that an Iranian strike earlier this month destroyed a key radar component of a THAAD system stationed in Jordan.

Each THAAD battery, manufactured by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, consists of six launchers with eight interceptors each, supported by a powerful radar system. A single battery costs about $1 billion and requires roughly 100 personnel to operate.

Washington currently operates eight THAAD systems worldwide, with two already positioned in the Middle East. Analysts say the redeployment reflects growing pressure on US missile defence resources as Iran continues launching waves of missiles.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung acknowledged Seoul had expressed opposition to the withdrawal of US weapons but admitted the country could not fully block the decision.

Experts warn the move may signal that US missile defence capabilities are being stretched as the conflict in the Middle East continues.