The annual joint military exercises of the South Korean and US armed forces, Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 (UFS), are scheduled for August 18-28, Korean media reported, citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Republic of Korea.
The exercises are positioned as defensive, with a scenario that includes realistic threats identified in an analysis of recent military conflicts around the world. The UFS will include simulation-based command and staff exercises as well as field manoeuvres.
Almost half of the 40 planned field exercises are expected to be postponed until September due to heat and flooding.
In addition to military tasks, the exercises will include inter-agency training by the South Korean government aimed at improving coordination in crisis situations, protecting civilians and combating cyber threats.
The exercises are taking place near the South Korean cities of Gimpo, Pohang, Pochon, Tongduchon and on the island of Ganghwa. About 2,500 military personnel are involved in the manoeuvres, including 1,500 American marines usually stationed on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
The military is also practising landing assault battalions. Similar exercises were held near the city of Pohang with the use of military equipment, including KAAV amphibious vehicles and MUH-1 Marineon and CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters.
At the same time, in Gimpo and Tonduchon, the process of neutralising unexploded shells and disposing of weapons of mass destruction was practised, while in Pochon, engineering exercises and training for medical units in providing assistance to the wounded on the battlefield were held.
The military also paid considerable attention to the use of unmanned technologies, with drones and special robots being deployed during some tactical manoeuvres.
US Marine Corps battalion commander Davis Gooding noted that the current exercises symbolise the strength of the alliance between the US and South Korea, adding that the troops are ready to conduct a joint operation at any time to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula.
