South Korea has deployed the destroyer ROKS Wang Geon to Somalia

On Friday, May 15, the South Korean destroyer ROKS Wang Geon will depart from the naval base in Busan to carry out an international mission off the coast of Somalia. The ship will join operations to combat piracy and ensure the safety of shipping in the Gulf of Aden.

This was reported by Yonhap, citing a statement from the South Korean Navy.

The 4,400-ton destroyer will carry out its mission as part of the Cheonghae Unit, which has long been involved in international operations in the region.

According to the South Korean Navy, this is the ninth overseas mission for the ROKS Wang Geon. The ship will become the 48th vessel involved in Cheonghae Unit operations.

The contingent will include approximately 260 service members, including the destroyer’s crew, a boarding team of naval special forces, and an aviation unit equipped with Lynx helicopters. The mission is scheduled to last six months.

The Cheonghae Unit’s primary mission is to escort South Korean vessels in the Gulf of Aden, as well as to support international operations aimed at ensuring maritime security and responding to terrorist threats.

In the event of emergencies, the unit will participate in operations led by the Combined Maritime Forces and the EU Navy in Somalia.

The South Korean Navy also reported that prior to departure, the mission conducted air defense training and strengthened its counter-drone systems.

The destroyer’s deployment comes amid reports of the Cheonghae Unit’s possible participation in international missions to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

This refers, in particular, to the U.S. initiative Maritime Freedom Construct, as well as a multinational mission involving France and the United Kingdom.

Turkey has begun exploration work to search for hydrocarbon deposits in waters near the Somali coast.