[Anchor]

It has been confirmed through SBS reporting that the South Korean military is making concrete preparations for a deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment forces will include P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, and a logistics support ship. This marks the first time a maritime patrol aircraft will be deployed.

Here is a report by reporter Kim Ayeong.

[Reporter]

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

Although the war continues, preparations for deployment have begun.

A key official at the Ministry of National Defense told SBS yesterday (September 3) that "concrete preparations are underway to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz."

The official explained, "The deployment forces are the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support ship, and an EOD explosive ordnance disposal team."

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

The explosive ordnance disposal team consists of personnel belonging to the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) of the Naval Special Warfare Flotilla, and upon deployment, they are expected to conduct joint operations with foreign navies.

The logistics support ship is expected to be assigned the role of providing rear-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 stop at foreign ports of call, and during the Hormuz operation period, airports and ports in neighboring countries will be needed for logistical support.

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

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

President Trump has continuously pressured the South Korean government, claiming that "South Korea is not helping with the war in Iran despite receiving help from the United States."

A high-ranking Cheong Wa Dae official stated today (September 4) regarding the Strait of Hormuz deployment issue that it is currently in the stage of review according to domestic legal procedures, and nothing has been finalized.

Regarding the matter of South Korea's practical contribution, the official said there could be various options, adding that combat, non-combat, and search operations are being comprehensively reviewed.

[Video Editing: Chang Hyun-ki]