US Missile System Remains in South Korea, Not Relocated to the Middle East
The United States has not yet relocated its primary missile defence system from South Korean territory. This comes following reports from Washington about moving part of the missile defence system to the Middle East region, which is experiencing escalating conflicts.
Prominent US media outlet The Washington Post reported last month, citing several anonymous officials, that the US was relocating part of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from South Korean territory for use in the war against Iran.
The report sparked concerns among the South Korean public, where the system serves as a pillar of national defence against nuclear-armed North Korea.
US Forces Korea Commander Xavier Brunson, as reported by AFP on Wednesday (22/4/2026), stated that Washington “has not moved any THAAD system” out of the country.
“THAAD is still on the peninsula at this time,” Brunson said during a US Senate committee hearing in Washington DC on Tuesday (21/4) local time.
“We are sending ammunition forward (to the Middle East), and that ammunition is currently awaiting relocation,” he added, without providing further details.
When asked if he expected the system to remain in place, Brunson replied: “Yes.”
THAAD is designed to intercept short-range, intermediate-range, and long-range ballistic missiles using “hit-to-kill” technology.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has stated that Seoul is unhappy with the reports of relocating the US-made missile defence system. However, Lee also acknowledged that the South Korean government cannot do much about it.
The South Korean Ministry of Defence affirmed that it can counter threats from North Korea even if the US relocates some of its military assets from the country.
The US deploys around 28,500 troops in South Korea, with the THAAD system installed in the country since 2017.
The presence of the US defence system has triggered strong protests from China, which views it as a threat to its national security.