US forces in South Korea conduct live-fire drills using remote weapon systems, enhancing combat readiness and deterrence. The exercises and senior military visits highlight Washington’s focus on modernization, troop safety, and regional security amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.
The United States military stationed in South Korea has conducted a two-day live-fire exercise featuring advanced remote weapon technology, underscoring Washington’s continued emphasis on combat readiness and deterrence on the Korean Peninsula.
According to the US Eighth Army, the drills were held on January 28 and 29 and focused on the assembly, preparation, and operational use of the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, widely known as CROWS. This sophisticated system is designed to be mounted on armoured vehicles, allowing soldiers to operate mounted weapons remotely while remaining protected inside the vehicle.
The exercise involved troops assembling and deploying the CROWS system under realistic field conditions. The system enables gunners to engage targets using stabilized optics, cameras, and weapon controls without exposing themselves to direct enemy fire. Military officials said the drills were intended to strengthen operational familiarity with the technology while enhancing overall unit effectiveness.
In addition to system operation, the exercise included live firing using the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and the M240 machine gun. These live-fire components were aimed at sharpening soldiers’ hands-on combat skills and reinforcing coordination between vehicle-mounted systems and infantry firepower.
Captain Noah Klein, commander of the 84th Ordnance Company, highlighted the operational advantage of the system, noting that CROWS allows soldiers to employ heavy weapons from within the safety of an armoured cockpit. He emphasized that reducing exposure significantly improves survivability during combat missions, particularly in high-threat environments.
The drills come amid ongoing regional security challenges and heightened military activity across Northeast Asia. Analysts note that such exercises serve both tactical and strategic purposes, reinforcing alliance readiness while sending a clear deterrent message to potential adversaries.
In a related development, senior US defense leadership has also been actively engaging with forces stationed in South Korea. Matthew Lohmeier, the US Undersecretary of the Air Force, visited Osan Air Base last week as part of a broader tour of Indo-Pacific military installations.
According to information released on the base’s official website, Lohmeier visited the Pyeongtaek-based air installation on January 30. Osan Air Base, located approximately 60 kilometers south of Seoul, plays a critical role in regional air operations and deterrence efforts.
During his visit, Lohmeier met with US airmen and guardians, as well as senior leaders from the Seventh Air Force, the 51st Fighter Wing, and Space Forces Korea. The discussions focused on operational readiness, mission execution, and the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
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US Air Force officials said the visit reaffirmed the service’s commitment to maintaining a forward-postured and ready force. Lohmeier emphasized that Osan’s strategic location places it at the center of deterrence efforts and that the readiness of personnel stationed there is essential to preventing conflict and safeguarding US national interests.
Together, the live-fire drills and high-level visits highlight the US military’s sustained focus on readiness, modernization, and alliance coordination in South Korea amid an increasingly complex regional security landscape.
