[Anchor]

SBS has learned through its reporting that the South Korean military is making concrete preparations to deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment package is set to include maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team, and a navy logistics support ship. This will mark South Korea's first-ever deployment of maritime patrol aircraft to the region.

Exclusive report by Kim Taehun, Defense Specialist Reporter.

[Reporter]

The South Korean government had previously maintained the stance that it would pursue a deployment to the Strait of Hormuz only after the U.S.-Iran war concludes, but it has been ascertained that the policy was recently changed.

Preparations for deployment have begun even as the war continues.

A key official at the Ministry of National Defense told SBS yesterday (the 3rd), "We are making concrete preparations to deploy naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz."

The official explained, "The deployment forces will consist of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a Navy logistics support ship, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team."

If deployed, the Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will be tasked with monitoring submarines and surface vessels of threatening forces.

The EOD team, consisting of personnel from the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT/SEAL) of the Naval Special Warfare Flotilla, is expected to conduct joint operations with foreign navies if deployed.

The logistics support ship is projected to be assigned the role of providing rear-guard support for the patrol aircraft and the explosive ordnance disposal team.

For the patrol aircraft and logistics support ship to reach the Strait of Hormuz, they must make stops at foreign ports of call. Furthermore, airports and harbors in neighboring nations will be required to provide logistical support during the Hormuz operation period.

A high-ranking military official told SBS, "I understand that discussions regarding ports of call and operational bases are underway with the respective countries."

The actual deployment of the patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal team, and logistics support ship requires a decision by the National Security Council (NSC), a resolution by the Cabinet meeting, and consent from the National Assembly. Outlooks suggest that a parliamentary consent motion could be submitted as early as this month.

While the presidential office maintains the position that "nothing has been decided," it is reported that the South Korean government's acceleration of the deployment is influenced by repeated pressure from U.S. President Trump.

President Trump has repeatedly claimed that "South Korea receives help from the U.S. but does not assist in the Iran war."

(Camera footage: Kim Hyun-sang | Video editing: Park Choon-bae)