▲ This file photo shows Patriot missile defense batteries deployed at Camp Humphreys, the main U.S. military base south of Seoul, after North Korea fired multiple unidentified ballistic missiles toward the Yellow Sea on March 10, 2025. (Yonhap)

USFK-assets relocation

U.S. Patriot missile batteries relocated to Osan Air Base amid speculation about deployment to Middle East

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- U.S. troops stationed in South Korea have relocated its Patriot missile defense batteries to Osan Air Base from other U.S. bases, sources said Friday, amid speculation that the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) could deploy part of its assets to the Middle East amid the escalating Iran conflict.

The Patriot missile system, along with C-5 and C-17 U.S. transport aircraft, has been detected in the air base in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the sources.

The move came amid speculation that the USFK may send part of its military assets to the Middle East amid the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.

Still, it also remains uncertain whether the relocation of the Patriot missile batteries to Osan Air Base is related to the allies' annual springtime Freedom Shield exercise set for March 9-19.

Two Patriot batteries were previously deployed to the Middle East in June last year as Washington carried out major operations targeting Tehran's nuclear facilities before they were returned to South Korea in October.

The Patriot missile system is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at low- to mid-range altitudes and serves as part of South Korea's layered missile defense network, along with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, to counter North Korean threats.

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