USFK moves Patriot systems to Osan base; large transport aircraft such as C-5 also spotted

United States Forces Korea (USFK) has reportedly moved MIM-104 Patriot air-defense systems from other U.S. bases in Korea to Osan Air Base, where large transport aircraft such as the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III have also been identified. This has raised the possibility that Patriot units could be diverted to the Middle East in connection with the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Some observers suggest the relocation may be preparatory work for the rapid deployment of air-defense assets from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East.
According to military sources on the 6th, additional Patriot batteries that had been stationed at other U.S. bases in Korea were recently identified at Osan Air Base, on top of the batteries already deployed there. However, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea and USFK are avoiding specific answers to questions about the movement of these assets and any possible diversion to the Middle East.
An official from the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea said at a press briefing that day, "It is not appropriate for our government to comment on the operational use of USFK assets."
The MIM-104 Patriot is a missile system designed to intercept enemy ballistic missiles at medium to low altitudes. Together with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which intercepts at higher altitudes, it forms a core part of USFK's missile defense posture.
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III regularly flies into Osan Air Base to transport U.S. troops and equipment. In contrast, the arrival of the larger Lockheed C-5 Galaxy at Osan is considered unusual.
It remains unclear whether this movement of forces is intended to facilitate the diversion of Patriot units in anticipation of a prolonged crisis in the Middle East, or whether it is for the upcoming ROK-US Combined Military Exercise "Freedom Shield" (Freedom Shield (FS)), which begins next week.
USFK Patriot units were also rotated to the Middle East last year. Two batteries were deployed there in June during Operation Midnight Hammer, a surprise strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, and returned to Korea in October of the same year.


wangjylee@fnnews.com Lee Jong-yoon Reporter