According to multiple government sources, Patriot missiles and large U.S. military transport aircraft including C-5s and C-17s have recently been spotted at U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)'s Osan Air Base. Some of the Patriot missiles were reportedly transferred from other U.S. bases.
C-17s regularly fly into Osan to transport U.S. equipment and troops, but the presence of the larger C-5 was seen as unusual, the sources said.
With concerns growing that the Middle East conflict could become prolonged following U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran last week, the recent movements have fueled speculation that USFK may prepare to deploy some of its military assets overseas in case of contingencies in the region.
The Patriot is capable of intercepting incoming missiles at low to medium altitudes, roughly 20 to 40 kilometers above the surface. Together with a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, it forms a core part of USFK's missile defense.
Two Patriot batteries were previously deployed to the Middle East during the U.S.' surprise strike on Iranian nuclear facilities last June, under a military operation dubbed "Midnight Hammer," and returned several months later.
But some suggest that the recent movements of U.S. military assets may be in preparation for the annual joint exercise between South Korea and the U.S., set to begin next week, rather than a sign of an imminent deployment to the Middle East. For now, both remain uncertain.
"It is not appropriate to comment on USFK's operations," said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defense during a regular press briefing on Friday.
He added that USFK's mission is to maintain a strong combined defense posture with South Korea's military to support peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, and that the allies will continue to coordinate closely.
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