All Six THAAD Launchers at USFK Seongju Base Have 'Returned'

All six launchers of the US Forces Korea's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which had been moved out of the Seongju base in Gyeongbuk during the US-Iran war, have now returned to their original positions.

Launcher at the US military THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) base in Seongju County, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to a government official on June 22, one THAAD battery consists of an engagement control station, a radar, and six launchers. After the outbreak of the US-Iran war, some THAAD launchers were relocated to Osan base in Gyeonggi Province. At that time, large US military transport aircraft such as the C-5 and C-17 were spotted at the Seongju base, prompting speculation that the US was redeploying its assets to the Middle East.

However, with all six launchers now returned to the Seongju base, it is increasingly believed that the previous relocation was likely for the transport of interceptor missiles loaded on the launchers.

Regarding this matter, US Forces Korea stated, "For operational security reasons, we cannot comment specifically on the movement of personnel or assets, or on operational matters," but added, "For information regarding the deployment and readiness posture of US forces, please refer to Commander Brunson’s testimony to Congress."

Earlier, US Forces Korea Commander Xavier Brunson stated at a US Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in April that "no THAAD system has been moved, and THAAD remains on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "We are sending munitions and are standing by for movement."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.