Bangkok: The Marine Corps has taken part in an annual multinational exercise in Thailand involving its 4,900-ton ROKS Nojeokbong landing ship, aimed at enhancing interoperability across the forces, the armed services said Friday. The Cobra Gold drills took place from Feb. 23 to March 6, involving some 390 troops and KAAV amphibious assault vehicles and K-55A1 self-propelled howitzers, according to the Marines.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this year, the drills incorporated the K-30W Chunho wheeled anti-aircraft gun and the AT-1K Raybolt portable anti-tank missiles for the first time. The drills, co-hosted by the United States and Thailand, brought together troops from 10 countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia.
The Korean troops participated in an array of joint drills, including joint amphibious operations, combined arms live fire exercises, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among others. They also engaged in counter amphibious operations aimed at repelling the opponent approaching via the coastline and restoring control over the coast area.
Navy and Marine Corps troops from eight participating countries staged a command post exercise to strengthen joint planning and coordination across the Indo-Pacific, which included cyber and space training. Launched in 1982, Cobra Gold is the longest-running international military exercise in the world, designed to build regional partnerships and strengthen collective security across the Indo-Pacific.