YANGJU, Gyeonggi Province (South Korea): A pair of reconnaissance drones hovered silently above a suspected enemy facility with their cameras scanning for movement.
Moments later, assault drones armed with K2 rifles locked onto their targets and opened fire.
As outdoor guards were neutralised, an armoured vehicle rolled forward, clearing a path through potential minefields.
Behind it, South Korean and US troops advanced under the cover of smoke grenades, preparing for entry.
The scene unfolded on Wednesday (March 12) at the Mugeon-ri Training Ground in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province — some 23 kilometers from the border with North Korea — as part of this year's Freedom Shield, the allies’ annual large-scale military drill.
The scenario simulated an operation to secure a suspected weapons of mass destruction facility in North Korea, with South Korea’s 25th Infantry Division leading the initial clearance before handing control to the allies’ Counter-WMD Task Force for hazardous materials assessment.
This exercise also marked the first field deployment of uncrewed ground vehicles in an outdoor combat scenario by the South Korean Army.
The military has been developing robotic combat systems since 2019 under the Army Tiger 4.0 initiative, which aims to modernize land warfare through robotic technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The first objective was a warehouse suspected of housing enemy combatants and hazardous materials.
Before advancing, a four-legged robot moved forward, scanning the ground for obstacles and potential threats. Troops monitored its movement remotely, assessing the interior before proceeding.
Inside, friendly and opposing forces engaged in a simulated skirmish using the MILES — Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System — training system.
Gunfire from simulated rounds echoed through the structure as troops cleared each section, eliminating enemy forces.
After securing control, they located suspected explosives. Engineers moved in, safely marking the devices for later disposal.
The exercise continued into a four-story building, requiring a different tactical approach.
While rifle-mounted drones fired through the windows from outside, a multipedal robot entered through the main doors and began climbing the staircase.
Its multi-jointed four legs allow it to adjust position and maintain balance, making it capable of navigating stair angles.
"By deploying robots alongside personnel, we aim to minimise human casualties while gathering critical intelligence in real time," said Lt. Col. Jang Yun-seong, public affairs officer of the 25th Infantry Division.
"The integration of uncrewed systems fundamentally changes how we approach high-risk operations."
"We are continuously evaluating whether operating alongside robots enhances survivability more than sending them in first," Jang added.
The exercise culminated when the site clearance team reached a hangar believed to contain high-risk WMD-related materials.
Recognising the risk of the site, the initial clearance team determined that it should be handed over to the CWMD Task Force for specialised handling.
A PackBot from the US forces was deployed first, maneuvering through debris as its sensors scanned for chemical or biological agents.
Once the video feed confirmed signs of contamination, troops donned additional protective layers before advancing.
After decontamination procedures began, specialised personnel entered next, securing and disabling hazardous materials while ensuring the site was fully neutralised, marking the conclusion of the drill scenario.
"This exercise successfully demonstrated the integration of South Korean and US counter-WMD teams in a realistic scenario," said Lt. Col. Ma Dong-hyuk, commander of the site clearance team.
"Through continuous cooperation and joint exercises, we aim to further enhance interoperability between South Korean and US forces," Ma added.
The 25th Infantry Division said it plans to analyse the results to refine future applications of uncrewed combat systems and joint WMD response strategies.
The drill of the day involved a total of 500 personnel from both forces, supported by over 50 ground and aerial assets, including both manned and uncrewed vehicles.
Cpt. William Taylor, commander of the CWMD Task Force, said, "I am grateful for the opportunity to conduct joint training with the South Korean military. This exercise has further strengthened the South Korea-US alliance."
The 11-day Freedom Shield exercise will continue through March 20. - The Korea Herald/ANN
