South Korea's Navy said Tuesday it has conducted massive live-fire drills in the East Sea in a show of its resolve to retaliate against North Korea's provocations.
Among assets mobilized were the 2,500-ton Gangwon frigate, a 1,000-ton patrol ship, 400-ton guided-missile vessels and 130-ton high-speed boats, according to the Navy.
"The training this time is aimed at improving our military's immediate response posture against the enemy's naval provocation," Capt. Choi Young-chan, commander of the 13th Maritime Battle Group, said. "If the enemy provokes anywhere, whether on or under water, we will immediately hit back and bury them at sea."
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In this file photo provided by South Korea`s Navy, a South Korean destroyer fires a guided missile during an exercise in the East Sea. (Yonhap) |
The maneuver came two days after the North carried out its sixth nuclear test, claiming it used a hydrogen bomb.
The Navy also plans to hold four-day battle group training from Wednesday in the country's southern waters. It would involve more than 10 ships including the 2,500-ton Chungbuk frigate and submarine, as well as the P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft and Lynx multi-role planes.
The Air Force's F-15K fighter jets and a CN-235 transport plane will also join it, added the Navy.
Separately, South Korea and the US are scheduled to hold anti-submarine warfare practice in the East Sea on Thursday and Friday. (Yonhap)
