Abu Dhabi: South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to conduct combined military drills in the Middle East nation in February as part of efforts to strengthen their defense cooperation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, South Korea's Defense Ministry announced that service members from the South Korean Army, Navy, and Marine Corps have already departed for the UAE to participate in the exercises scheduled for February 10-20. The drills will be held at the Al Hamra Training Center and in the waters off Abu Dhabi.
The exercise, organized at the request of Abu Dhabi, will feature a 4,900-ton South Korean warship and 14 pieces of equipment, including the K2 tank and K9 self-propelled howitzer. On the sidelines of the exercise, South Korea plans to showcase its indigenous weapons systems and engage in military exchange activities. These activities will include discussions with high-level officials on ways to expand cooperation.
The South Korean Defense Ministry anticipates that the drills will enhance the military's ability to conduct joint operations and potentially boost arms exports. Last year, South Korea conducted its first overseas drills involving the K2 and K9 tanks in Qatar, aiming to enhance cooperation with Middle Eastern counterparts.