Home > National > Defense

Korean military launches annual Hwarang defense drills, with focus on drones, energy protection

Published: 06 Apr. 2026, 15:29

Korean and U.S. troops pose for a photo after completing a combined arms live-fire exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pocheon, south of the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, on March 24 in this photo provided by the U.S. Army. [UNITED STATES ARMY]

The Korean military on Monday kicked off its monthslong annual defense drills in coordination with the government, police and firefighting agencies in a bid to enhance an integrated defense posture across all regions of the country.

The first segment of the Hwarang defense drills began Monday for a five-day run in the southeastern city of Daegu and North Gyeongsang, and such exercises will continue through November in other regions, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

This year, the drills will focus on training under a wide range of emergency scenarios, such as drone attacks against energy facilities and other key national infrastructure targets.

Launched in 1977, the Hwarang drills are designed to assess an integrated defense posture among relevant agencies, incorporating contingencies tailored to participating regions.

Yonhap