South Korean Marines Conduct Joint Urban Operations Training with UAE Forces, Enhancing Tactical Cooperation

The South Korean Marine Corps has opened a new chapter in urban operations training in the Middle Eastern desert. The Marines completed a joint exercise in the UAE desert, focusing on urban combat scenarios.

On Monday, the 2025 UAE Joint Training Task Force announced that Marines from South Korea’s 2nd Marine Division, participating in the local joint training unit, conducted a joint urban operations drill with UAE forces on February 13 at the Al Hamra Comprehensive Training Center in the UAE.

According to South Korea’s National Armed Forces Organization Act, the Marine Corps’ primary mission is amphibious operations. As a result, its equipment and standard training programs are primarily designed for such missions.

However, to enhance their capability in urban warfare, South Korean Marines took part in this exercise to learn combat concepts necessary for urban operations and acquire realistic battlefield tactics essential for joint missions.

A platoon from South Korea’s 2nd Marine Division and UAE troops were divided into mixed squads of eight soldiers each. In one squad, South Korean Marines took command and led the UAE troops, while in another, UAE forces took command and led the South Korean Marines. Initially, differences in command styles and tactics posed challenges, but as training progressed, both sides adapted, deepening their understanding of each other’s combat strategies and successfully completing the urban operations drill.

South Korean Marines collectively emphasized the importance of cooperation, the key to successful joint operations. Lieutenant Kim Hyung Wook, a platoon leader, stated, “Through training with the UAE forces, I have learned a great deal. In joint operations, trust-based teamwork is just as crucial as tactical understanding.”

UAE military instructors also praised the South Korean Marines for their dedication and combat skills, noting that their attitude during training was impressive. One UAE military official added that South Korea’s Marine Corps possesses exceptional combat techniques compared to any other military in the world.

Colonel Ahn Soon Ok, the local joint training unit commander, also commented, “The cross-command system at the squad level is highly impressive,” noting that “it will be immensely beneficial for both nations’ troops to learn and apply each other’s tactics.”