South Korea, US to hold maritime landing exercise

The armed forces of the Republic of Korea and the United States will conduct the Ssangyong amphibious landing exercises on the coast of the Sea of Japan from August 26 to September 7, Caliber.Az reports, citing South Korean media.

According to the South Korean Navy and Marine Corps, the drills will be conducted at the division level on the coast near the city of Pohang. Approximately 40 ships, including landing ships, and around 40 aircraft, including F-35B fighter jets, will participate. The same number of amphibious vehicles will also be involved.

Representatives from the US Marine Corps and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps will form a joint command group to oversee the landing operation. For the first time, personnel from South Korea's drone operations command will participate in the exercises, conducting reconnaissance missions using drones. The UK's Marine Special Forces will also participate for the second consecutive year.

The Ssangyong exercises were resumed in March 2023, after a five-year hiatus due to former South Korean President Moon Jae-in's efforts to pursue dialogue with North Korea.