04.09.2026 09:21
While conflicts between the US and Iran continue, South Korea has begun preparations to deploy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support ship, and special operations personnel to the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, the Seoul government is moving away from its previously adopted “wait for the war to end” approach, and the deployment requires approval from the National Security Council, the Cabinet, and the parliament.
The South Korean military has begun concrete preparations to dispatch P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, naval special operations personnel, and a logistics support ship to the Strait of Hormuz, where clashes between the US and Iran are ongoing. While military planning accelerates, approval from the National Security Council, the Cabinet, and Parliament is awaited for the actual deployment to take place.
P-8 POSEIDON AND SPECIAL TEAMS TO HEAD TO THE REGION FOR THE FIRST TIME
According to information based on South Korean Ministry of National Defense sources, the prepared military deployment package includes P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a naval logistics support ship, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
P-8 Poseidon aircraft are expected to track submarines and surface vessels in the region. If the plan is approved, South Korea will deploy a maritime patrol aircraft to the region for the first time. It has been reported that the EOD team to be deployed will consist of personnel from the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) within the South Korean Navy Special Warfare Flotilla and will conduct joint operations with foreign navies.
POLICY OF WAITING FOR THE END OF THE WAR ABANDONED
The Seoul administration appears to have shifted its previous approach of considering a potential military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz only after the end of the US-Iran war. Initiating preparations despite ongoing clashes signals a loosening of that policy, while senior South Korean military officials are reported to be maintaining contacts with regional countries regarding ports and operational bases for the aircraft and ships.
PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL REQUIRED
Although preparations within the military wing are in full swing, South Korean presidential officials have stated that military and civilian options to contribute to navigational safety are being evaluated and that no final decision has been made yet.
For the aforementioned assets to be actually deployed to the Strait of Hormuz, South Korea's National Security Council decision, Cabinet approval, and Parliament's (National Assembly) acceptance of the motion are required in that order. The deployment motion is expected to be brought to the parliamentary agenda within September.