Washington: The United States has not relocated its THAAD missile defense system from South Korea to the Middle East despite ongoing military operations against Iran, according to U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson. However, "munitions" are on standby for transfer to the region, Gen. Brunson revealed during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Gen. Brunson's comments came in response to speculation that the U.S. military might reposition USFK assets to support American efforts against Iran. He clarified, "We've not moved any THAAD systems. So THAAD still remains on the (Korean) peninsula," referring to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. He further noted, "Currently, we are sending munitions forward, and those are sitting right now waiting to move," without elaborating on the specifics of these munitions.
The Washington Post had previously reported that parts of the THAAD system were being moved from Korea to the Middle East, raising concerns about potential impacts on deterrence against North Korean threats. However, U.S. officials did not confirm the report, stating they do not comment on the movement of specific military capabilities.
Gen. Brunson also addressed the redeployment of USFK assets, mentioning previous movements of radars in preparation for Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. He confirmed that while some equipment has not returned, the THAAD systems remain stationed in Korea.
During the hearing, Gen. Brunson emphasized the importance of ensuring that "political expediency does not outpace the conditions" for transferring wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. This emphasis comes as the South Korean government, led by President Lee Jae Myung, aims to complete the transition by 2030. Discussions between Seoul and Washington have suggested 2028 as a potential target year for the transfer.
The conditions-based OPCON transition has been a focus since October 2014, requiring South Korea to demonstrate capabilities in leading combined forces, strike and air defense, and ensuring a favorable regional security environment.
Gen. Brunson also addressed speculation about a potential troop drawdown on the Korean Peninsula, insisting, "Our forces in Korea are modernizing to address rapidly evolving strategic dilemmas. That's why my focus remains strictly on capabilities over numbers."
Highlighting the broader regional role of American troops, he affirmed the readiness of the tri-command-United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea-to support a balance of power in the region and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In a written statement to the Senate committee, Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo expressed concerns over North Korea's growing relationship with Russia, describing it as "troubling." He noted that North Korea's development of weapons of mass destruction poses a "direct" threat to the U.S. and its allies. Adm. Paparo also commented on North Korea's role in combat operations in the Kursk region and its efforts to gain Russian assistance in various military technologies.
Adm. Paparo praised South Korea as a "resolute ally with global impacts," emphasizing the continuous evaluation of capabilities in Korea to enhance "operational lethality and flexibility."