(LEAD) S. Korea to expand anti-piracy mission closer to Hormuz, send more naval assets

South Korea intends to broaden its anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, extending it to the area surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials. The plan involves deploying additional naval assets, such as a maritime patrol aircraft and an explosive ordinance disposal team. This decision comes after months of deliberation over the country's role in the conflict zones following the U.S.-Iran war in February.

The expansion, which requires parliamentary consent, will nearly double the operational radius of the Cheonghae unit, currently stationed in the Gulf of Aden. The new deployment will include 75 personnel, bringing the unit's total to 395. Seoul's expansion aims to protect citizens, safeguard economic interests, and assist in restoring freedom of navigation in international shipping routes.

The unit will operate in the open waters south of Oman, and the maritime patrol aircraft will not target or monitor Iranian territory. The expansion will also allow South Korea to test unmanned mine-sweeping systems, as the country seeks to participate in post-war joint operations to clear sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.