Pohang: The Navy and Marine Corps commenced a comprehensive weeklong amphibious landing exercise in the southeastern coastal city of Pohang last week. The armed services announced on Monday that this initiative aims to bolster combat readiness against evolving threats in future warfare scenarios.
According to Yonhap News Agency, approximately 3,200 troops are participating in the exercises, which are scheduled to continue through Thursday in various coastal areas around Pohang, situated about 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The activities on Monday involved the "decisive action" phase, featuring amphibious assault drills utilizing landing ships, transport aircraft, and helicopters. These maneuvers were supported by naval warships and attack helicopters that provided crucial cover.
A diverse array of military assets was deployed for the drills, including the KF-16 fighter jet and the P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft. Among the approximately 20 naval vessels was the ROKS Marado amphibious assault ship. This year's exercise incorporated both manned and unmanned assets, reflecting the changing dynamics of modern warfare. Drones and surveillance equipment were utilized for coastal and ground operations, enhancing real-time intelligence gathering.
Notably, first-person view drones were used for the first time to gather intelligence during operations where special operations troops covertly infiltrated target coastal areas and removed obstacles. Additionally, a New Zealand army platoon participated alongside South Korean Marine troops, marking another first for the exercise. A team from the U.S. 7th Fleet also joined in the Marine warfare drills, further enhancing the scope of the amphibious landing exercises.