Patriot missiles deployed at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek [Yonhap News Photo]

Amid observations that US Forces Korea's (USFK) air defense assets may have been redeployed to the Middle East, it has been revealed that large US military transport planes, previously identified at Osan Air Base in Gyeonggi Province, have recently departed South Korea in succession.

According to real-time flight tracking websites, US C-5 and C-17 transport planes that landed at Osan Air Base in late last month have been departing in large numbers this month. Their destinations are largely identified as Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, in the United States.

The movements of the C-5, which is larger than the C-17, are particularly noteworthy. At least two C-5s arrived at Osan in late last month and departed South Korea on the 28th of last month and the 2nd of this month, respectively. Their destinations were not specified, but the flights, exceeding 14 hours, suggest they may have been heading to mainland US or the Middle East.

While C-17s regularly visit Osan Air Base for the transport of US military equipment and personnel, C-5 landings at Osan are considered unusual.

Previously, it was understood that USFK had relocated some Patriot missile batteries stationed at other US military bases in Korea to Osan. These circumstances suggest that some of the relocated Patriot batteries may have already departed South Korea aboard C-5 transport aircraft.

C-17s departed Osan Air Base in large numbers between March 3rd and 7th. Six of these have been confirmed to have flown to Anchorage.

However, the possibility that the busy activity at Osan Air Base is related to the upcoming ROK-US combined exercise, 'Freedom Shield' (FS), scheduled to begin on the 9th, cannot be ruled out.

Many argue that even if the redeployment of USFK forces to the Middle East has not yet occurred, it is only a matter of time if the conflict with Iran prolongs.

USFK Patriot units were previously deployed rotationally to the Middle East in June of last year during the 'Midnight Hammer' operation, which involved a surprise airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, and returned in October of the same year.

There are also concerns that the redeployment of USFK forces could affect readiness against North Korea.

Both countries' militaries maintain a stance of not confirming details regarding the movement and redeployment of USFK assets, while emphasizing that readiness levels are being maintained without disruption.

USFK stated, "For operational security reasons, we do not comment on the movement, redeployment, or potential redeployment of specific forces or assets. USFK remains focused on maintaining a ready and capable force posture on the Korean Peninsula, and the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea remains steadfast."

A Ministry of National Defense official also said, "It is not appropriate for our government to comment on the operational status of USFK forces. The mission of USFK is to maintain a strong combined defense posture with our military and contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. To this end, ROK and US will continue close communication and cooperation."