S. Korea, U.S. conclude multinational maritime mine warfare exercise off Busan

What happened: South Korea and the United States concluded the ninth Multi-National Mine Warfare Exercise 2026 off Busan with 15 partner nations, the U.S. Navy said. Key numbers: Ninth edition of the exercise. Held off Busan. Concluded Friday. 15 partner nations. Why it matters: Capt. Lee Geun-rok of South Korea's 52nd Mine Warfare Squadron said the drill substantially enhanced interoperability and combined operational execution in mine warfare. Capt. G. Scott Wells of U.S. Task Force 77 said it increased mine countermeasure capacity.

South Korea and the United States concluded the ninth Multi-National Mine Warfare Exercise 2026 off Busan with 15 partner nations, the U.S. Navy said.

Capt. Lee Geun-rok of South Korea's 52nd Mine Warfare Squadron said the drill substantially enhanced interoperability and combined operational execution in mine warfare. Capt. G. Scott Wells of U.S. Task Force 77 said it increased mine countermeasure capacity.