The Republic of Korea Marine Corps announced it participated in the Cobra Gold exercise with nine countries including the United States in Thailand from January 23 to February 6 to enhance multinational combined operational capabilities.
Cobra Gold is a multinational combined exercise for humanitarian and peacekeeping purposes, jointly hosted by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters since 1982. This marks the Marine Corps' 17th participation.
Participating nations included South Korea, the United States, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, China, India, and Australia. China and India participated only in humanitarian civic assistance activities.
Approximately 390 Navy and Marine Corps personnel joined the exercise aboard the ROKS Nojeokbong (LST-II, 4,900-ton class), along with key assets for multi-dimensional amphibious operations including KAAVs (Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicles) and K-55A1 self-propelled howitzers.
Notably, the wheeled anti-aircraft gun Cheongho (K-30W) and the anti-tank guided missile Hyungung made their first overseas deployment this year, demonstrating their excellence and reliability through live-fire exercises during combined arms training.
Participating personnel are scheduled to return to Korea on February 16, concluding approximately 40 days of training.
Lt. Col. Kim Tae-han, commander of the 82nd Battalion, said, "This exercise provided an opportunity to verify combined operational systems with multinational forces and further strengthen our operational capabilities."