South Korean President's Frustration Following US Withdrawal of THAAD Air Defence System from South Korea

Seoul — The United States, South Korea’s primary security ally, has reportedly begun transferring some Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) air defence system assets from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East. This move has triggered concerns about a security gap in the region, even as Seoul attempts to reassure the public.

Washington currently maintains approximately 28,500 troops and various air defence systems and missiles in South Korea to deter potential aggression from the nuclear-armed North Korea. However, a Washington Post report this week indicates that escalation in the Middle East has forced the Pentagon to relocate its strategic assets, according to France24.

South Korea’s Defence Ministry stated that its defensive posture against North Korea remains solid despite the relocation of assets by the US Forces Korea (USFK).

“Regardless of whether certain USFK assets are deployed overseas, there is no problem whatsoever with our deterrence posture against North Korea, given the level of military capability we possess,” the South Korean Defence Ministry stated in an official statement to the AFP on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

Nevertheless, the ministry has been reluctant to provide detailed confirmation of reports regarding the withdrawal of the missile system designed to intercept short to medium-range ballistic missiles.