"The Cabinet today approved the proposal to extend the deployment of South Korean troops to the Gulf of Aden off Somalia and the high seas south of Oman," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the proposal would be submitted to the National Assembly after the remaining administrative procedures are completed.
"We have drawn up plans to strengthen the Cheonghae Unit's mission to protect our citizens and safeguard our economic interests," the ministry said.
"Specifically, we will reinforce maritime patrol aircraft and mine-clearing support capabilities for operations in the Gulf of Aden and the high seas south of Oman."
The proposal includes deploying a Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams and unmanned mine countermeasure systems.
The additional deployment would increase the unit's personnel ceiling by 75, from 320 to 395, while extending its mission through Dec. 31, 2027, subject to parliamentary approval.
Established in 2009, the Cheonghae Unit has primarily conducted counter-piracy operations and escorted commercial vessels through the Gulf of Aden.
The expanded mission would also support efforts to restore freedom of navigation along international shipping routes, as South Korea seeks to strengthen maritime security amid growing regional instability.
The ministry, however, reiterated that the expanded deployment would not involve participation in the war involving Iran.
"The Cheonghae Unit will operate under an independent chain of command and devote itself to protecting our citizens and vessels, under the principle that it will under no circumstances become involved in or intervene in the war," the ministry said.
Defense officials previously explained that any future deployment of South Korean personnel to mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz would require separate parliamentary approval.
The Cabinet also approved a separate proposal to extend the deployment of South Korean troops to the United Arab Emirates to support military education and training, the ministry said.
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