For the first time, South Korea, the US, and the UAE have commenced joint military drills at a high-tech training facility in South Korea. The exercises, which aim to enhance combined operational capabilities among the three nations’ forces, are being held at the Korea Combat Training Center (KCTC) in Inje, 126 kilometres northeast of Seoul, according to Yonhap News.
The 11-day exercise involves approximately 3,000 troops, including South Korea’s 7th Infantry Brigade, a US battalion from the 2nd Infantry Division, and a UAE infantry company.
The training features around 200 pieces of combat equipment, such as K1E1 tanks, K200 armoured vehicles, and K55A1 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. The US has deployed Gray Eagle drones, Black Hawk helicopters, and Stryker armoured vehicles.
Since 2011, the US has participated in the KCTC exercises to improve interoperability. The UAE, which first joined the drills last year with a platoon, has now expanded its involvement.
This collaboration follows recent military exercises between South Korea, the US, and Japan, and comes amid heightened military activity on the Korean Peninsula, where Seoul and Pyongyang are bolstering alliances with western powers and Russia, respectively.
Earlier this month, the UAE conducted its second annual joint air force drill with China, known as Falcon Shield-2024, in Xinjiang, China. This exercise, running from late June to late July, aims to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation, and strategic collaboration between the Chinese and UAE air forces.
