Navy stages maritime maneuver drills to hone operability

SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) -- The Navy has launched maritime maneuver drills in waters off the country's eastern, western and southern coasts in a bid to hone its operational capabilities against various maritime threats, the armed service said Wednesday.

The Republic of Korea Navy Task Fleet Command is taking part in the drills, which kicked off Sunday for a six-day run, involving nearly a dozen warships and other aircraft, according to the Navy.

Deployed assets include the Navy's 8,200-ton Jeongjo the Great destroyer, the ROKS Yulgok Yi I destroyer, auxiliary ships, frigates, and patrol aircraft.

During the drills, the Navy will train under simulated attack scenarios involving air defense combat, antisubmarine warfare and antisurface warfare, and conduct drills to detect and track ballistic missile launches.

The command also took part in maritime drills in southern waters off Jeju Island early Wednesday, involving the Marado amphibious assault ship and other amphibious ships deployed as part of a joint training mission the previous day.

The command is a core unit of the military's three-pronged deterrence structure-- the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform, the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation system, and the Korean Air and Missile Defense -- fitted for maritime operations.