To commemorate its 80th anniversary, the Navy of South Korea (ROKN) carried out its first fleet-level naval exercise in the southern and eastern seas, an unprecedented event that reflects the country’s increasing level of military readiness amid a regional environment that is becoming ever more tense.
According to official information, the maneuvers began on November 9 and extended until the 12th, under the direction of the new Task Fleet Command, created at the beginning of this year with the objective of countering threats from North Korea. “Through this first maritime maneuver exercise at the fleet level, we have been able to verify the operational capability of the command to carry out the missions assigned at any time and place,” declared Rear Admiral Kim In-ho, commander of the South Korean Navy’s Task Fleet.
Until now, South Korean naval exercises had only been conducted at the flotilla or squadron level, so this edition marked a qualitative leap in complexity and coordination. On this occasion, it is important to mention that the three new destroyers equipped with the U.S.-made Aegis combat system participated, known as ROKS Jeongjo the Great (DDG-995), ROKS Yulgok Yi I (DDG-992), and ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG-993).
Particularly, the first of those mentioned belongs to the new class of ships, a total of three, of guided-missile vessels of the new Sejong the Great class, also designated as “KDX-III Batch II,” which total six units encompassed in the Batch I and the more modern Batch II ships. These, compared to the first batch, are larger and have improved systems. In addition, in terms of armament, a vertical missile launch system of local development (KVLS) stands out, allowing the use of SM-3 missiles; of which the U.S. State Department has authorized the sale of a new batch in favor of South Korea. Beyond this, the exercise also included the participation of four other warships and three support aircraft.
According to details from the South Korean Navy, the exercise focused on responding to “complex situations on the battlefield,” covering simulations of ballistic missile detection and tracking within the so-called “three-axis system.” This doctrine, which reflects the core of South Korea’s defense posture, includes strengthening the attack capabilities (Kill Chain), air defense (KAMD), and retaliation capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea (KMPR).
In detail, during the exercise days, the ships conducted anti-surface, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare exercises, along with coordination practices in naval formations and air defense. For its part, ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong carried out an interception exercise of aircraft and guided missiles under simulated combat conditions in the East Sea, demonstrating the fleet’s ability to operate in high-intensity scenarios.
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