Army Resumes Live-Fire Artillery Training at Mi Story Target Range for First Time in Seven Years Since 9·19 Agreement

Six K55A1 and Twelve K9A1 Howitzers Mobilized

The South Korean military has resumed live-fire artillery training at the Mi Story Target Range for the first time in seven years since the 9·19 Military Agreement.

The Army announced on April 22 that it had conducted live-fire artillery training at the Mi Story Target Range in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on April 21. This marks the first live-fire exercise at the site following the suspension of the 9·19 Military Agreement, pursuant to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between South Korea and the United States regarding the reuse of the Mi Story Target Range.

Under the 9·19 Military Agreement, North and South Korea had agreed to suspend artillery firing exercises within 5 kilometers of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). The Mi Story Target Range is located within 5 kilometers of the MDL. The latest exercise focused on strengthening response capabilities and firepower readiness in the event of enemy provocations. Artillery battalions under the 1st Division and the 1st Artillery Brigade operated six K55A1 self-propelled howitzers and twelve K9A1 self-propelled howitzers, firing approximately 60 rounds during the exercise.

The Army assessed that the resumption of live-fire training at the Mi Story Target Range has sufficiently resolved the restrictions that previously hampered realistic training. In particular, the Army expects that it will now be able to cultivate firepower operations and long-range firing capabilities based on actual operational plans in frontline areas.

Battery Commander Captain Do Jaeho stated, "This exercise gave us the confidence that we can respond immediately to any enemy provocation," adding, "We will continue to maintain the highest level of firepower readiness so that we can execute rapid and precise fire missions anytime and anywhere, as soon as orders are issued."