The Namoo, damaged after being struck in succession by two unidentified aircraft on the 4th. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the wreckage of the projectile that struck the HMM Namoo “will arrive soon” in Korea. However, since various transport methods, including diplomatic pouch and military transport aircraft, are still being reviewed, the process is expected to take considerable time.
Meeting with reporters on the 12th, Cho said, “The Ministry of National Defense and others will investigate the wreckage.” He added, “Research institutes with relevant expertise that will be in charge of forensic analysis will also participate.” The Agency for Defense Development (ADD), which operates under the Ministry of National Defense, has been mentioned as a likely participant. “ADD has extensive investigation experience related to North Korean drones and other matters,” a military official said.
However, the transport method for the wreckage has yet to be determined. While even the timing of its departure for Korea remains unclear, a foreign ministry official said, “The transport method and investigating agencies are being reviewed on-site.” Options under discussion for the transport method include diplomatic pouch and military transport aircraft. The official stressed, “A swift investigation is important, but the accuracy and completeness of the investigation must also be considered.”
This appears to reflect a cautious stance given the sensitivity of the matter, particularly the diplomatic and security repercussions that could arise if the party behind the attack is identified. It is also interpreted as the reason the military, which will play the most critical role in analyzing the engine wreckage, is not taking a front-line position.
The foreign ministry official also said, “Reports that the engine wreckage has been confirmed as a drone engine are not true.” Separately, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo briefed Saeed Koozechi, Iran’s ambassador to Korea, on the initial investigation findings regarding the Namoo attack on the 10th, but no notable response has been received from the Iranian side so far.