Joint Training with the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom
Conducting Maritime and Amphibious Exercises
The Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps Talisman Sabre Task Group (hereafter referred to as the 'Task Group') is participating in the '2025 Talisman Sabre' joint exercise in Australia from July 3 to July 27.
The Talisman Sabre exercise, which means 'a sword with mysterious power,' is a multinational joint exercise co-hosted by the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Australian Joint Forces Command. It is held biennially.
The Task Group consists of more than 820 Navy and Marine Corps personnel, the Navy's large transport ship Marado (LPH, 14,500-ton class), the destroyer Wang Geon (DDH-II, 4,400-ton class), Marine Corps Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicles (KAAV), and Marineon (MUH-1) amphibious helicopters, among other assets.
This exercise involves 19 countries, including Korea, the host nations the United States and Australia, and the United Kingdom. More than 30 vessels, over 70 aircraft, and approximately 30,000 personnel are participating. The Task Group is conducting joint maritime and amphibious training with multinational forces to enhance its combined operational capabilities.
The Marado participated in the joint amphibious training, conducting maritime assault drills under Korean command with Marine Corps Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicles (KAAV) and Australian Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) at Coolie Beach, Australia, on July 15 and 16. On July 17 and 18, at Bowen, Australia, the Task Group conducted air assault drills with a platoon of Marine Corps troops, Marineon (MUH-1) helicopters, and special forces from the United States, Australia, and France.
The Wang Geon participated in the joint maritime training, conducting amphibious task force security and covering operations, as well as land attack firing drills with U.S., Australian, and French naval forces north of Gladstone, Australia, on July 15. On July 18, the ship conducted anti-ship warfare training, and on July 21, anti-ship firing drills.
Additionally, the Marado and Wang Geon are scheduled to conduct realistic Korea-Australia joint amphibious training, including amphibious task force security and covering operations, as well as maritime and aerial assault drills, at Shoalwater Bay, Australia, on July 23 and 24.
Cho Sunguk (Colonel), Commander of the Navy's 53rd Amphibious Squadron and the exercise commander, stated, "The Navy and Marine Corps are focusing on training as one team to enhance combined operational capabilities," and added, "We will fully demonstrate the operational capabilities we have honed until the end of the exercise to elevate the stature of the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps."
Meanwhile, the Task Group has also been engaging in various military diplomacy activities, including laying a wreath at the Korean War Memorial in Moore Park, Australia, on July 6, and hosting a reception aboard ship for key figures and veterans from Korean War participant countries on July 9.
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