South Korea's Navy and Marine Corps launched a weeklong regular amphibious landing exercise in Pohang last week, the armed services said on Monday. Some 3,200 troops are deployed for the drills running through Thursday. The exercise incorporates modern unmanned assets and international allies for the first time.
The Navy and Marine Corps launched the weeklong regular amphibious landing exercise in coastal areas of Pohang, a southeastern city about 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, last week, the armed services said Monday.
On Monday, troops held the "decisive action" phase, featuring amphibious assault drills with landing ships, transport aircraft and helicopters, covered by naval warships and attack helicopters. Assets included the KF-16 fighter jet, P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft and some 20 naval vessels, such as the ROKS Marado amphibious assault ship. This year's exercise incorporated drones and surveillance assets for coastal and ground operations to reflect changes in modern warfare.
For the first time, a New Zealand army platoon trained alongside South Korean Marine troops in a landing unit. A team from the U.S. 7th Fleet also joined Marine warfare drills as part of the exercise.
