South Korea plans to extend anti-piracy patrols closer to Strait of Hormuz
South Korea plans to extend its naval patrols from the Gulf of Aden to waters near Oman following a surge in piracy off Somalia's coast, its defence ministry announced on Thursday.
The navy's Cheonghae Unit, which has escorted merchant ships off Somalia since 2009, would also patrol near Duqm in Oman, approximately 650 kilometres from the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The patrols would remain outside the strait under South Korean command.
Piracy surge
South Korea's defence ministry reported 36 piracy incidents off Somalia so far this year, a significant increase from just 11 in all of 2025. Pirates have been venturing further toward Oman as international naval forces have shifted focus to the Red Sea and Hormuz.
The expanded mission would include deploying a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, a bomb disposal team, and uncrewed craft to clear sea mines. The plan would increase the personnel limit from 320 to 395.
Strategic importance
The extension reflects South Korea's critical dependence on Middle Eastern oil, with about 70% of its oil imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025. President Lee Jae-myung has emphasized the need to protect shipping lanes while avoiding involvement in the Iran conflict.
South Korea had a duty to protect its citizens, merchant ships and oil shipments, but ruled out a deployment that could draw the country into the war.
Next steps
The navy's current mandate expires on 31 December. Deputy ministers have endorsed the plan, with the cabinet scheduled to review it next week. If approved by both the cabinet and President Lee, the National Assembly will vote on expanding the patrol area and extending the mission until 31 December 2027.
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