The Ssangyong joint amphibious landing exercise scheduled for September has been removed from the calendar after US and South Korean military officials confirmed its cancellation. The decision was linked to the Pentagon’s deployment of troops and military assets to the Middle East during the conflict with Iran.
South Korea plans to conduct the exercise using its own capabilities instead of holding the planned joint activity with the United States. The cancellation was linked to the difficulty of sending troops to the exercise following the conflict with Iran and to the United States’ military priorities in the Middle East.
Up to 20,000 personnel took part in the Ssangyong exercise
In years when the two countries held the Ssangyong exercise jointly, between 10,000 and 20,000 personnel took part. Amphibious assault ships and advanced stealth aircraft were also among the exercise’s components.
US President Donald Trump said the Pentagon had 39,000 troops stationed in South Korea under the defense agreement in force between Washington and Seoul.
Ulchi Freedom Shield lasted five days
Following the decision on Ssangyong, a change in the duration of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise conducted by the United States and South Korea also came into focus. The exercise lasted five days instead of 11, in line with Trump’s instruction to prioritize contacts with North Korea.
Activities under Ulchi Freedom Shield concluded last Friday. South Korea plans to hold the Ssangyong exercise unilaterally.