Marine Corps commands hold joint drills on western border islands

Two Marine Corps commands initiated joint drills on the western islands bordering North Korea, from October 20 to 24, according to a statement from the Marine Corps. The five-day exercise involved 6,000 troops and critical equipment, with the aim of evaluating integrated defensive capabilities and maintaining a strong defense posture in the region.

This annual drill, part of the broader Hoguk exercise led by South Korea, included U.S. forces and focused on countering various enemy threats such as artillery fire, high-speed aircraft, cruise missiles, and suicide drones. The drills comprised both live-fire and command post exercises to reflect modern warfare tactics and insights from recent global conflicts.

Concurrently, the South Korean Air Force carried out interception drills this week, simulating defense against an enemy's manned and unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The exercise involved 40 aircraft, including F-15K, KF-16, and KA-1 fighter jets, as well as ground and naval assets like Army air defense missile systems, destroyers, and frigates.