U.S. to Deploy Korea-based Patriot Missile Systems to Middle East

The United States and South Korea have agreed to temporarily relocate Patriot missile defense batteries from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East, according to South Korean media citing sources.

This would mark the first known case of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) assets being deployed to the region.

The agreement, reached last month, involves a "monthslong" deployment of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 systems, which currently contribute to South Korea’s missile defense against North Korea, sources said. The move follows reports that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the transfer of at least two Patriot batteries from Asia in response to ongoing U.S. military actions against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The deployment has raised concerns in South Korea about potential shifts in the role of USFK and the financial burden Seoul may face under U.S. President Donald Trump’s alliance policies. Despite the relocation, USFK stated that it remains committed to the Korean Peninsula and emphasized its ability to respond to any contingency.