Cheonghae Unit Operation Zone Doubled to Southern Oman...P-8A and Minesweeping Forces Deployed Forward

The government has decided to significantly expand the operational zone of the Cheonghae Unit, which has been protecting Korean-flagged vessels and conducting anti-piracy operations in the Aden Gulf waters off Somalia, to the offshore waters south of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. Along with this, the military will substantially strengthen the unit's capabilities by additionally deploying state-of-the-art maritime patrol aircraft and mine detection and disposal forces.

According to the Ministry of National Defense and related agencies on the 5th, the government has submitted the "Cheonghae Unit Dispatch Amendment Consent Bill" to the National Assembly based on these matters. If the consent bill passes, the dispatch period will be extended through December 31, 2027.

Operation zone expanded twofold...rapid reconnaissance with P-8A at 907 km/h

The newly established operational zone for the Cheonghae Unit extends to offshore waters south of Oman, approximately 650km from the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, expanding to nearly twice the previous area.

The government will deploy advanced maritime capabilities to fill surveillance and monitoring gaps resulting from the expansion of the operational zone. Personnel will be reinforced by 75 additional troops, expanding the total strength to 395.

In particular, the Navy's latest maritime patrol aircraft P-8A 'Poseidon' being newly dispatched boasts a maximum speed of 907 km/h (490 knots) and an operational radius of over 2,000km, making it a top-level reconnaissance and anti-submarine platform.

It is approximately 1.3 times faster than the existing P-3C (749 km/h) and is equipped with long-range satellite communication equipment, long-range high-resolution tactical radar (ISAR), and approximately 120 sonobuoys, enabling real-time surveillance of extensive offshore waters south of Oman.

Preparedness for underwater mine threats...simultaneous verification of 'unmanned minesweeping robot & EOD'

In preparation for maritime mines, one of the key threats in Middle Eastern waters, unmanned minesweeping equipment (underwater mine detection and disposal) and Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) forces will also be newly deployed.

The newly deployed unmanned minesweeping equipment consists of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and underwater demolition robot-type equipment, enabling mine identification through high-precision underwater sonar and remote demolition removal without directly deploying personnel to dangerous waters. Combined with experienced Navy EOD veteran personnel, this will handle mine and special explosive demolition missions.

The additionally dispatched patrol aircraft forces are scheduled to move to local bases such as Djibouti once the National Assembly consent procedures are completed and will begin full-scale reconnaissance and surveillance operations.

"Protection of Korean-flagged vessels is top priority...draw the line at direct involvement in conflicts"

The government has made clear that this measure is defensive in nature, aimed at responding to Middle Eastern instability and securing safe navigation for Korean-flagged merchant vessels and Korean nationals.

A Defense Ministry official stated, "This expansion of the operational zone does not mean entering inside the Strait of Hormuz or direct participation in conflicts. Detection activities regarding Iranian territory, territorial waters, or the interior of the strait are limited, and our sole priority is the protection of our people and economic interests," emphasizing the point.

However, regarding the possibility of future participation in humanitarian operations such as mine removal in response to changing circumstances, the government stated it will make comprehensive judgments based on on-site training. The government plans to secure additional operational budgets necessary for the mission expansion through reserve funds and supplementary budgets.