As tensions rise amid the looming threat of US-Iran conflict, the potential relocation of the THAAD and Patriot missile systems from South Korea to the Middle East has sparked fears about vulnerabilities in South Korean air defense. While some argue that the absence of Patriot systems could be supplemented by South Korean military capabilities, the THAAD system is deemed essential and irreplaceable for effective defense against North Korean missile threats.

South Korea’s missile defense architecture primarily targets ballistic missiles utilizing various interception strategies based on the missile's flight trajectory—ascending, mid-course, and descending phases. Current limitations mean that there are no systems capable of neutralizing threats during the ascent and mid-course phases, which are critical due to the short time frame (around five minutes) for North Korean missiles to reach South Korean territory. As such, the defense efforts are heavily focused on intercepting missiles in the descent phase, employing a multi-layered defense system featuring Patriot and THAAD systems operating at varying altitudes.

Despite concerns that the withdrawal of the US Patriot systems would leave a significant gap in defense, experts evaluate the situation as not overly critical. The US Patriot systems have provided air defense since their deployment in the early 1990s but are primarily centered on protecting key strategic assets rather than offering extensive coverage. The recent dialogue on missile defense has emphasized the importance of adapting existing systems to address new threats, reiterating the need for a robust and persistent air defense strategy as regional tensions escalate.