Republic of Korea Special Forces Conduct Joint Training with UK Royal Marines in First-Ever UK Deployment
Members of the Republic of Korea Navy’s elite Special Warfare Group (ROK NSW) have recently concluded a two-week joint training exercise with the United Kingdom’s Royal Marines in South West England. This marks the first time that elements of the ROK NSW have trained on British soil alongside their Royal Marine counterparts, specifically with 42 Commando.
The exercise, designed to enhance capabilities in counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics operations, brought together highly skilled operators from both nations. The Royal Navy stated that the primary objectives were to sharpen tactical skills for all participants and to confirm readiness and response protocols for potential future joint operations. The training involved personnel from 42 Commando, a unit specializing in complex maritime operations, including those aimed at countering smuggling, piracy, and terrorism. They were supported by other specialist units including 47 Commando, which provided raiding craft, and 29 Commando, alongside air support from the Commando Helicopter Force.
Over the fortnight-long period, the joint forces engaged in a rigorous series of scenarios crafted to simulate real-world operational challenges. These included extensive boarding drills, where teams practiced taking control of vessels at sea, and close quarters combat training, focusing on engagements in confined spaces. Operators also executed fast roping from helicopters, a critical insertion technique allowing rapid deployment onto targets from the air. The exercise progressed to more complex operations, with the teams planning and executing opposed vessel seizures, special reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence in challenging environments, and direct raiding operations against simulated adversaries.
The training regimen was comprehensive and geographically varied. Teams were organized into specialized assault, sniper, and rapid reaction units to maximize operational effectiveness. A significant component involved a maritime interdiction exercise conducted in Portland Harbour, a large natural harbour on the English Channel coast. Subsequently, the focus shifted inland to Scraesdon Fort in Cornwall, a 19th-century fortification, where the joint force carried out a raid from the sea, infiltrating the historic structure under the cover of darkness. Further maritime training included boarding the German replenishment tanker Rhön in the waters off Plymouth, practicing the intricate maneuvers required to secure a large vessel at sea. To hone their vertical insertion and extraction skills, abseiling drills were conducted at Foggin Tor on Dartmoor, a rugged granite moorland.
This deployment builds upon previous collaborations between the two nations’ special operations forces. Last year, Royal Marines participated in exercises on the Korean Peninsula as part of Operation Highmast, which was the UK Carrier Strike Group’s significant global deployment in 2025 (note: likely a typo in original text, usually refers to 2021 deployment or future planning, but maintaining original text’s stated year). This prior interaction provided a foundational understanding and rapport that contributed to the success of the recent UK-based exercise.
Major George Eatwell, the officer commanding M Company, 42 Commando, articulated the significance of the event. He remarked, “Having worked alongside RoK NSW off the Korean Peninsula last summer during Op Highmast and the Carrier Strike Group deployment, it was a privilege to host a team from the Special Mission Battalion at 42 Commando.” He emphasized the value of continued collaboration, adding, “The chance to train once more with such a professional and dedicated Special Operations Force in the UK, rehearsing complex, integrated boarding operations and warfighting scenarios, truly demonstrated the strength and depth of our partnership.”
Major Eatwell further elaborated on the broader strategic implications of the cross-training, stating, “The cross-training showcased our capability to plan and execute complex, high-end missions seamlessly integrated at the operator level, addressing shared challenges. While some threats may be geographically distinct, the nature of these challenges and the capabilities required to counter them are undeniably joint. We gained invaluable insights and lessons from each other throughout this collaboration.” This highlights the understanding that while specific threats might manifest differently across regions, the core skills and collaborative spirit required to address them are universally applicable.
Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyun-seok, commander of the Special Mission Battalion from the Republic of Korea, echoed these sentiments. He affirmed, “This training has confirmed the solid cooperation framework between Korean and UK special operations units and provided an opportunity to raise our practical coalition capability to a higher stage.” He also underscored the forward-looking aspect of the training, asserting, “We will continue to maintain the tactics capability to perfectly counter any terrorist threat in the future.”
The Royal Marines involved in this exercise were drawn from Special Operations Maritime Task Unit 10. According to the Royal Navy, this unit is tasked with maintaining exceptionally high levels of readiness, enabling it to deliver maritime special operations globally. Such units are critical components in a nation’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats in any maritime environment.
Why This Matters
This unprecedented joint training exercise between the Republic of Korea’s Special Warfare Group and the UK’s Royal Marines carries significant strategic and operational implications for both nations and the broader international security landscape.
Firstly, it underscores a deepening bilateral security relationship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. While both are key allies of the United States, direct military cooperation between London and Seoul, particularly involving elite special operations forces, signals a broadening of their respective international partnerships. For the UK, this aligns with its “Indo-Pacific tilt” strategy, aiming to strengthen engagement and influence in a region of growing geopolitical importance. For South Korea, it represents an expansion of its security cooperation beyond traditional regional partners, reinforcing its role as a capable and responsible global security provider.
Secondly, the exercise significantly enhances interoperability between these highly specialized forces. In an increasingly complex global security environment, threats such as international terrorism, sophisticated narcotics trafficking, and piracy are transnational. Effective responses often require multinational efforts. By training together, these units improve their ability to communicate, coordinate, and operate seamlessly alongside each other. This includes standardizing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), understanding each other’s equipment, and building vital personal relationships among operators. This enhanced interoperability is crucial for the success of any future joint deployments, whether in direct combat scenarios, humanitarian assistance, or disaster relief operations.
Thirdly, the focus on counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics skills directly addresses shared global challenges. These threats disrupt international trade, destabilize regions, and endanger civilian populations. By sharpening these capabilities collectively, both nations are better equipped to protect their interests and contribute to international stability. The specialized nature of the training, encompassing vessel seizures, close quarters combat, and special reconnaissance, highlights the commitment to tackling these threats at their source, often in complex maritime or urban environments.
Finally, this collaboration serves as a strong diplomatic signal. It demonstrates a mutual commitment to international security and the willingness to invest in the collective defense against evolving threats. Such exercises are not merely about military readiness; they are also powerful statements of diplomatic alignment and shared values. They lay the groundwork for deeper intelligence sharing, combined strategic planning, and potentially, future joint deployments to address real-world contingencies, reinforcing the idea that global security is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated international action.