Navy 3rd Fleet Conducts Maritime Containment Drill for Weapons of Mass Destruction

The Republic of Korea Navy's 3rd Fleet Command announced on the 11th that it conducted a maritime interdiction exercise to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the northwest waters off Gageodo Island in the West Sea. This exercise was carried out as part of the 2025 Freedom Shield exercise.

The exercise involved three naval vessels: the frigates Jeonbuk and Gwangju (FFG-I, 2,500 tons), and a high-speed patrol boat (PKMR, 230 tons), along with one UH-60 maritime maneuver helicopter and special mission unit personnel. Additionally, a 3,000-ton Coast Guard ship was deployed to enhance joint operational capabilities.

The exercise began with the Jeonbuk identifying a suspicious vessel suspected of carrying WMD proliferation materials via radar, based on intelligence and reconnaissance. The Jeonbuk attempted communication checks with the Gwangju, which played the role of the suspicious vessel. When the suspicious vessel did not respond, the special mission unit, on standby at a land base, boarded the UH-60 helicopter and moved to the scene. Simultaneously, the high-speed patrol boat restricted the suspicious vessel’s movement through warning shots and interception maneuvers, enforcing a stop order.

Upon arrival, the special mission unit fast-roped from the UH-60 onto the suspicious vessel, verified the crew’s identities through inspection, and discovered WMD proliferation materials during a search. The special mission unit secured the crew, and the Coast Guard ship seized the vessel, concluding the exercise.

Jeonbuk Captain (Lieutenant Colonel) Jo Haesung, who participated in the exercise, stated, “Through this exercise, we were able to enhance the realism and joint capabilities of the Navy and Coast Guard in preventing the maritime proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Navy will continue to establish a solid readiness posture based on realistic training.”