U.S. reportedly moving parts of Thaad antimissile system from South Korea to Middle East

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Published: 10 Mar. 2026, 16:05

A launch vehicle of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) system is seen at a U.S. military base in Seongju on March 5. [YONHAP]

The United States has been moving parts of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) antimissile system from South Korea to the Middle East, the Washington Post reported, citing two officials.

The alleged movement comes amid media reports that the U.S. military stationed in South Korea has shipped out some of its military assets amid an intensifying war in the Middle East.

“The Pentagon is moving parts of a Thaad system from South Korea to the Middle East,” one report said.

The Thaad batteries, which smash enemy missiles during their final phase of flight, have been deployed in South Korea to better cope with North Korea's missile threats.

Earlier in the day, President Lee Jae Myung said during a Cabinet meeting that a potential relocation of military assets owned by U.S. Forces Korea will not affect the deterrence posture against North Korea.

Yonhap