U.S. Marines and South Korean Forces Conduct Joint Exercise on Countering Suicide Drones
U.S. Marines and South Korean Forces Conduct Live-Fire Drone Interception Training
For the first time, American forces have publicly disclosed live-fire drone interception training during a joint exercise with South Korea. On March 18, U.S. Marine Corps units stationed in Okinawa, Japan, conducted the training at the Daecheon Shooting Range, utilizing Stinger portable surface-to-air missiles to engage MQM-171A BroadSword target drones. These drones were configured to simulate medium-sized tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and suicide drone scenarios, as reported by Chosun.
The following day, South Korean forces conducted their own training at the same range, firing KP-SAM Shin-Gung missiles from the Biho-Composite air defense system against unmanned targets. This training was part of the annual Freedom Shield exercise, which concluded on March 19. U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander General Xavier Brunson emphasized the importance of training and preparedness in his closing remarks.
Details on the MQM-171A BroadSword
The MQM-171A BroadSword is a fixed-wing aerial target drone developed by Griffon Aerospace under contract with the U.S. Army. First produced in April 2010, the BroadSword weighs between 400 and 500 pounds and has a wingspan of 17 feet. It is launched from a pneumatic catapult system and can recover via skid landing. The drone is designed to replicate tactical-class unmanned aircraft that could be used against U.S. and allied forces.
The choice to use the BroadSword in training was intentional, as it mimics the size and capabilities of medium tactical UAVs and one-way attack drones, which are threats that North Korea is actively developing. This training allows air defense crews to engage targets that present realistic radar and infrared signatures, rather than simplified training models.
South Korean Air Defense Systems
On March 19, South Korean forces utilized the KP-SAM Shin-Gung missile from the Biho-Composite system during their training. The Biho, meaning “Flying Tiger,” is South Korea’s primary tracked self-propelled short-range air defense platform, developed by Hanwha. The baseline K30 Biho is equipped with twin 30mm autocannons and has been enhanced with missile launchers to extend its engagement range.
The Shin-Gung missile, manufactured by LIG Nex1, is designed to target low-altitude aerial threats, including drones. The Biho-Composite system features radar capabilities that allow for early detection of threats, addressing the specific air defense challenges posed by North Korean tactics.
Context of the North Korean Threat
The training at Daecheon was prompted by a significant shift in the threat landscape on the Korean Peninsula. In December 2022, North Korea conducted a drone incursion involving five unarmed UAVs, which highlighted gaps in South Korea’s air defense capabilities. The incident underscored the need for enhanced training and preparedness against drone threats.
Recent developments have further complicated the situation, including reports of North Korea establishing drone production capabilities with Russian assistance. This transfer of technology could enable North Korea to produce loitering munitions, increasing the urgency for effective air defense training.
Implications of the Marine Corps Deployment
The presence of U.S. Marines at the Daecheon training exercise signals the capability of U.S. air defense forces to rapidly deploy to the Korean Peninsula. This deployment addresses concerns regarding potential gaps in air defense assets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The training demonstrated that portable Stinger-equipped Marine units can quickly respond to aerial threats, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining robust air defense capabilities in the region.
Conclusion
The recent live-fire training exercises involving U.S. Marines and South Korean forces send a clear message regarding preparedness against evolving drone threats. The integration of realistic target drones and advanced air defense systems reflects a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by North Korea’s developing military capabilities.
Photo credit: Eighth U.S. Army, ROK Army