The Republic of Korea Army has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a robust military posture through a nighttime maritime live-fire drill designed to ensure readiness.
From April 16 to 17, the Army’s III Corps conducted a nighttime maritime firepower drill along the coast of Goseong in Gangwon Province. The exercise aimed to reinforce counterfire readiness against enemy provocations and enhance counter-artillery operational capabilities.
More than 300 personnel participated in the drill, including troops from the 22nd Infantry Division, the 3rd Artillery Brigade, and directly affiliated units under III Corps. Key surveillance and detection assets such as counter-battery radar systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were mobilized, along with over 40 major firepower assets, including the K9A1 self-propelled howitzer, K55A1 self-propelled howitzer, Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, and the K105A1 wheeled self-propelled howitzer.
The exercise began with counter-battery radar detecting simulated enemy fire. Coordinates of the attack origin were relayed to the artillery units on standby at the command post, which then executed accurate counterfire upon receiving fire commands.
Using UAVs to assess strike results, the corps and artillery units utilized the C4I target distribution system to rapidly conduct follow-up strikes, demonstrating the ROK Army’s swift and precise firepower readiness.
Colonel Choi Yong Ho, commander of the 22nd Division’s Artillery Brigade, who oversaw the drill on-site, stated, “Our unit maintains a tightly coordinated surveillance, detection, and strike system at all times to counter potential enemy artillery provocations. We will respond immediately with overwhelming firepower if the enemy attempts any provocation.”
Captain Kim Yong Hee, commander of the 2nd Battery, Cheondo Battalion, 3rd Artillery Brigade, added, “Through this training, we validated our operational capabilities to neutralize enemy aggression. As a core firepower unit on the eastern front, we will do our utmost to establish a powerful and flawless firepower posture that leaves the enemy no room to act.”
Before the exercise, the III Corps had conducted safety measures to protect residents. The drill was publicly announced via text alerts and public broadcasts starting five days in advance, and navigation warnings were issued two days before the exercise. During the live-fire portion, on-site response teams were deployed at major ports and beaches, and maritime traffic was controlled in cooperation with the Coast Guard to ensure public safety.
The ROK Army emphasized that it will continue to prioritize combat-realistic, field-based training to ensure it can respond overwhelmingly to any provocation from the enemy and further strengthen its military readiness posture.
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