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Key Points

South Korea's Marine Corps wrapped up major multinational drills in Australia, showcasing advanced weaponry like K1 tanks and amphibious assault vehicles. The Talisman Sabre exercise involved live-fire training and joint operations with 18 nations, including Australia and the US. USFK Commander Brunson praised the interoperability between South Korean and American forces during the drills. The contingent is set to return to Jinhae after completing the biennial training.

Key Points: South Korea Marine Corps Concludes Talisman Sabre Drills in Australia

  • South Korea deployed K1 tanks for the first time in Talisman Sabre
  • 350 personnel and advanced amphibious vehicles participated
  • Joint forcible entry operations conducted with Australian forces
  • USFK Commander Brunson emphasized alliance strength during live-fire drills
2 min read

South Korea's Marine Corps wrap up multinational drills in Australia

South Korea deployed KAAVs, K9 howitzers, and Chunmoo rocket launchers in multinational Talisman Sabre exercises with 18 nations.

"The strength of the South Korea-US alliance was on full display during these drills. – Gen. Xavier Brunson, USFK"

Seoul, July 28

South Korea's Marine Corps joined a major biennial multinational military exercise in Australia this month aimed at bolstering joint operational capabilities with forces from 18 other nations, the country's officials said Monday.

The Talisman Sabre exercise took place in the northeastern region of Australia from July 3-27. South Korea's Marine Corps mobilised some 350 personnel and a dozen pieces of equipment, including KAAV amphibious assault vehicles, K9 self-propelled howitzers and the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system.

It marked the second time South Korea's Marine Corps has participated in the exercise since 2023, Marine officials added.

Jointly hosted by the United States and Australia, the exercise consisted of two stages, each involving live-fire drills and a forcible entry operation, Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea's main battle tank, K1, participated in this year's exercise for the first time, showcasing its tactical maneuvers and precision striking capabilities, the officials said.

During the training, the KAAV amphibious assault vehicles and Australia's landing craft mechanised (LCM) took part in maritime assault training, while Korean and Australian troops conducted a joint forcible entry operation aimed at retaking a location seized by a simulated enemy.

The Marine Corps and the Navy are scheduled to depart Australia on Tuesday and return to a port in Jinhae, 311 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Aug. 13.

On July 16, US Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson highlighted the strength of the South Korea-US alliance as he attended an exercise conducted by the South's Marines as part of multinational drills under way in Australia.

Brunson observed the live-fire drills by the Marine Corps, held as part of the Talisman Sabre exercise, as he made a three-day visit to Australia this week to discuss defence cooperation and review interoperability outcomes for South Korean and US troops in relation to the multinational drills.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The K9 howitzers mentioned here are similar to what Indian Army uses. Good to see Asian nations upgrading their military tech. Hope our defense manufacturing also gets a boost under 'Make in India' initiative.
A
Aman W
While military exercises are important, I wonder about the environmental impact of such large-scale drills. Australia's marine ecosystem is already fragile. Countries should consider ecological costs too.
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Sarah B
The coordination between different nations' forces is impressive! Reminds me of India's Malabar exercises with US, Japan and Australia. Such partnerships are crucial for regional stability in Asia-Pacific.
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Vikram M
South Korea is showing smart defense diplomacy. India should take notes - we have much to gain from such multilateral military cooperation, especially with QUAD nations. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
The article mentions amphibious assault vehicles - does anyone know how these compare to our Indian Navy's landing crafts? Would be interesting to see a technical comparison.

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