From May 21 to 23, the Republic of Korea’s Northwest Islands Defense Command (NWIDC) conducted its first-half 2025 Joint Island Defense Exercise in Baengnyeongdo, Yeonpyeongdo, and surrounding island areas. The purpose of this training was to maintain military readiness in the region and to strengthen the command’s joint operational capabilities.
Led by the NWIDC, the exercise involved participating joint forces from supporting operational commands. It aimed to verify the integrated response capabilities of both on-site and joint forces and served as an annual, defensive exercise to improve overall island defense posture.
In addition to the Marine Corps and NWIDC, units from the Ground Operations Command, Navy Operations Command, Air Force Operations Command, and Medical Command participated. The exercise focused on rapid and overwhelming responses to various contingency scenarios, including enemy drone incursions, artillery provocations, and attempted surprise landings. It also emphasized practical operational support procedures, such as mass casualty care.
- Participating Units: Marine Corps/NWIDC, Ground Operations Command, Navy Operations Command, Air Force Operations Command, Army Aviation Command, CBRN Command, Command and Control Communication Command, Medical Command, Drone Operations Command, and more
- Total Force: Approximately 5,500 personnel, over 10 naval vessels, around 40 aircraft, and assets including K9 self-propelled howitzers, Chunmoo rocket systems, and KAAVs
On the first day, May 21, signs of an enemy drone incursion and attempted occupation triggered air defense drills by the 6th Marine Brigade and the Yeonpyeong Unit. These units conducted integrated air defense operations and installed obstacles, such as barbed wire and scatterable mines, in key areas.
Closely coordinating with local government offices, the military also broadcast emergency announcements, assisted residents with evacuation procedures, and verified civilian protection protocols to enhance practical readiness.
On May 22, the focus shifted to countering enemy firepower. Training included live-fire procedures using K9 howitzers and Chunmoo systems. Meanwhile, the Marine Corps’ rapid response forces and KAAVs conducted reinforcement exercises with support from Navy amphibious ships (LST-I and II) to enhance combat power.
On the same day, in Daecheongdo, the forces carried out medical evacuation drills, including combat casualty care and mass casualty treatment. The exercise also involved using Korea Coast Guard vessels for maritime patient transport. For the first time in the Northwest Islands, the Drone Task Force from the Armed Forces Daejeon Hospital conducted a simultaneous drill for transporting medical samples and blood using drones, evaluating the potential wartime application of unmanned aerial systems.
A key highlight was the deployment of Apache helicopters to Yeonpyeongdo to perform aerial strike missions in response to simulated enemy amphibious and airborne threats. This demonstrated a robust and proactive defense posture.
Lieutenant Colonel Kang Deok Hoon, commander of the 90th Battalion of the Yeonpyeong Unit, stated that the exercise was a valuable opportunity to verify readiness and combat capabilities alongside joint forces. He affirmed the Marine Corps’ commitment to defending the Northwest Islands under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, NWIDC held a post-exercise review meeting led by the commander to identify and address any shortcomings observed during the training. The command plans to implement various follow-up exercises to reinforce the region’s robust defense posture and response capability further.
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