Seoul: South Korea's Marine Corps has joined a major biennial multinational military exercise in Australia this month aimed at bolstering joint operational capabilities with forces from 18 other nations, officials said Monday. The Talisman Sabre exercise took place in the northeastern region of Australia from July 3-27. South Korea's Marine Corps mobilized 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.
According to Yonhap News Agency, 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. 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 mechanized (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.