Seoul
South Korea’s Marine Corps has successfully concluded its participation in the multinational Talisman Sabre military exercise held in Australia from July 3 to 27, officials announced Monday. The biennial drills, hosted by the U.S. and Australia, aimed to boost joint operations with forces from 18 nations.
This marks the second time South Korea’s Marines joined the exercise since 2023. About 350 personnel and key military equipment were deployed, including KAAV amphibious assault vehicles, K9 self-propelled howitzers, and the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system.
For the first time, South Korea’s K1 main battle tank also participated, demonstrating its maneuver and precision-strike capabilities. The exercise was divided into two stages, each involving live-fire and forcible entry training missions.
One key operation saw South Korean and Australian troops working together to retake a location captured by a simulated enemy. Maritime assault drills involved KAAV vehicles and Australia’s landing craft mechanised (LCM), highlighting naval cooperation and amphibious strategy.
The South Korean Marines and Navy will leave Australia on Tuesday and are expected to return to Jinhae port, southeast of Seoul, by August 13.
During the drills, U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson visited Australia to observe live-fire operations by South Korean Marines. He praised the strong alliance between South Korea and the United States and reviewed outcomes related to troop coordination and defense strategies.
The Talisman Sabre exercise strengthens South Korea’s military readiness and its ability to operate with international partners in complex, large-scale combat situations.
