NZ Army platoon trains with Republic of Korea Marine Corps in historic first

It’s the first time NZ Army soldiers had been attached to a ROK MC landing battalion in support of maritime operations, and continues New Zealand’s longstanding commitment to efforts to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula. 

The training formed part of a biannual Republic of Korea-led exercise involving approximately 3,200 personnel from South Korea’s Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. 

The exercise culminated with an assault on Doksok-ri Beach, where combined forces conducted a landing operation and seized a coastal objective. The operation involved high-speed landing craft and Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicles (KAAV) moving troops ashore under simulated naval gunfire and air support, before transitioning into ground operations inland.

The exercise formed part of New Zealand’s current three-month deployment to South Korea. In March 2026, the NZ Army sent a 33-strong infantry platoon and four personnel to provide a contingent headquarters.

Last year marked the first time New Zealand had deployed a combat-ready infantry platoon to train under the Republic of Korea Army and United States 2nd Infantry Division, in Korea.

Captain Matt Peri, the Platoon Officer Commanding, says this deployment supports training with South Korean and United States forces across urban, littoral and close-country environments, with activities taking place in Seoul, Pohang and several training areas, including the Korean Combat Training Centre. 

“During the training, Kiwi soldiers worked alongside Republic of Korea Marine Corps personnel on urban operations, live-fire drills, landing rehearsals and KAAV embarkation and disembarkation procedures,” said Captain Peri. 

“The platoon also integrated into combined planning and command activities throughout the exercise. 

“The professional environment established by the ROK MC made this an outstanding experience for learning new skills and sharing our own expertise with our partners."

About 20 naval vessels supported the task group, including the landing platform helicopter ship ROKS Marado (LPH-6112). Other assets involved included MUH-1 Marineon marine utility helicopter, P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, KF-16 fighter jets, AH-64E attack helicopters and unmanned aerial systems. 

The deployment also continues New Zealand’s longstanding commitment to the Korean Peninsula through the United Nations Command (UNC), building on the legacy of the New Zealand “K-Force” deployment during the Korean War. The New Zealand Defence Force has deployed personnel to UNC and the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission since 1998, to help keep the peace between North and South Korea.

This current training reinforced interoperability between New Zealand and Republic of Korea forces and reflected a shared commitment through the UNC, to regional stability security on the Korean Peninsula and in the wider Indo-Pacific.