March 14, 2025
SEOUL – A pair of reconnaissance drones hovered silently with their cameras scanning a facility for enemy activity. Moments later, assault drones armed with K2 rifles locked onto their targets and opened fire.
After the outdoor area was confirmed to be neutralized, an uncrewed armored vehicle rolled forward, clearing a path through potential minefields. Behind it, South Korean and US troops advanced under the cover of smoke grenades, preparing to enter.
This scene unfolded on Wednesday 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 exercise, the allies’ annual large-scale military drill that began on Monday.
The scenario simulated a wartime operation to secure a North Korean facility suspected of storing weapons of mass destruction, with South Korea’s 25th Infantry Division leading the initial clearance before handing control to the allies’ Counter-WMD Task Force for the hazardous materials.
The first objective was a warehouse suspected of housing enemy combatants and hazardous materials. Before troops advanced on the building, 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 also marked the first field deployment of uncrewed ground vehicles in an outdoor combat scenario by the South Korean Army, according to the 25th Infantry Division.
The military has been developing robotic combat systems since 2019 under the Army Tiger 4.0 initiative, which aims to modernize ground warfare through cutting-edge robotics, with a planned investment of 1.25 trillion won ($859.4 million) by 2030.
A quadrupedal robot stands behind Army personnel as its operator climbs the stairs. PHOTO: THE KOREA HERALD
The exercise continued into a four-story building, requiring a more complex tactical approach.
While rifle-mounted drones fired through the windows from outside, the quadrupedal robot entered through the main doors and began climbing the staircase. Its multi-jointed legs adjust to maintain balance, enabling it to navigate staircases.
“The integration of uncrewed systems is fundamentally changing how we approach high-risk operations,” said Lt. Col. Jang Yun-seong, public affairs officer of the 25th Infantry Division. “By deploying robots alongside personnel, we aim to minimize human casualties while gathering critical intelligence in real time.”
“We are currently 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.
Recognizing the high-risk nature of the site, the clearance team handed over the operation to the CWMD Task Force for specialized handling — a process known as a linkup operation.
A PackBot supplied by US forces was deployed first, maneuvering through debris as its sensors scanned for possible chemical and biological agents, as well as nuclear materials.
Once the video feed confirmed signs of contamination, troops donned additional protective layers before advancing.
Members of the Counter-WMD Task Force operate the PackBot through a control panel, monitoring a building’s interior via the live feed on its screen. PHOTO: THE KOREA HERALD
After decontamination procedures began, specialized personnel entered next, securing and disabling hazardous materials while ensuring the site was fully neutralized, 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 added that it plans to analyze the results to refine future applications of uncrewed combat systems and joint WMD response strategies.
The day’s drill involved some 500 personnel from both forces, supported by more than 50 ground and aerial assets, including both manned and uncrewed vehicles.
Cpt. William Taylor, leader of the Counter-WMD 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.