US-ROK navies conduct precision strike drills in East Sea

The U.S. and South Korean navies conducted a joint drill in the East Sea on Monday, focused on exercising precision strikes against the North Korean leadership and nuclear, missile bases. They also carried out exercises to detect and trace missiles in response to ambush launch of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). This was a show of force against Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test followed by its threat to attack Seoul, according to the South Korean military.

South Korean military authorities confirmed that participants included three South Korean fleets including DDG992, a 7,600-ton Aegis destroyer, a submarine, an anti-submarine helicopters, and a maritime patrol aircraft, and the USS Spruance, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. 　

The drills showcased the ability to pinpoint strike against the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Yongbyon nuclear facilities, and major ballistic missile bases with cruise missiles. The U.S. and South Korean navies possess destroyers capable of carrying dozens of Tomahawk all-weather cruise missiles that can destroy targets with just a few meter error from 1,000 kilometers in distance. The drills also featured early detection of ambush launch of SLBMs and other ballistic missiles by DPRK, as well as live fire drills and anti-submarine warfare.

“This combined tasking was an additional maritime exercise to the regular joint exercises,” said a South Korean military official. “The operation showcased a comprehensive capability of the U.S. and South Korean navies to defend the Korean Peninsula against the enemies’ missile threats both on the surface and underwater.”