The South Korean military announced on Friday that its forces conducted live-fire air defense drills near the border with North Korea as part of efforts to remain prepared against threats from North Korean drones.
According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, the three-day exercises commenced on Wednesday in a coastal area of Goseong County, located approximately 160 kilometers northeast of Seoul. Around 130 soldiers participated, along with eight anti-aircraft vehicles, including the K30 Biho and K30 W CHAMP, as reported by the South Korean military.
The drills focused on detecting and intercepting aerial targets simulating North Korean drones, with the forces firing about 600 rounds per minute from 30mm anti-aircraft guns to shoot them down.
Recently, the military has intensified its efforts to enhance drone defense capabilities after five North Korean drones crossed into South Korean airspace in December 2022, with no interceptions made, including one that entered the airspace of Seoul.