News

28th Army Division Conducts ROK-US Joint Transport Training
Successfully Avoids GPS Jamming Attacks and Lands Safely

27일 진행된 육군28보병사단과 주한미8군 65의무여단의 한미연합훈련에서 미군으로부터 지원받은 혈액과 의약품을 실은 드론이 악기상을 극복하고 전방에 안전하게 착륙하고 있다. 부대 제공 — During the joint ROK-US training held on the 27th between the 28th Infantry Division and the U.S. 65th Medical Brigade stationed in Korea, a drone carrying blood and medicine supplied by the U.S. military overcame severe weather conditions and safely landed at the frontline. (Photo provided by the unit)

On the 27th, the 28th Infantry Division conducted a joint ROK-US training exercise in the operational area to verify the effectiveness of drone-based blood and medicine transport.

The exercise involved personnel from the U.S. 8th Army’s 65th Medical Brigade, adjacent units, medical officers from the ROK Military Medical School, ROK and U.S. soldiers, as well as civilian and military experts from the Korean Red Cross Seoul Eastern Blood Center, KT, and drone manufacturers. The focus was on testing whether drones, which are emerging as game-changers in future manned-unmanned combined combat systems, have sufficient capability to urgently transport blood and medicine under harsh conditions.

The scenario began at Camp Casey, where ground and helicopter resupply of blood was limited. A small drone carrying blood and medicine supplied by the U.S. military took off powerfully, overcoming enemy GPS jamming attacks and severe weather such as heavy snow and strong winds, and safely landed at the frontline where a patient was assumed to be.

After the exercise, Korean and U.S. military personnel and blood center officials conducted tactical discussions on mutual blood support and supply logistics. Through sharing doctrines, systems, and know-how, both sides explored ways to improve medical support readiness.

The division plans to continue additional training during the 2025 Freedom Shield (FS) joint exercises, working with higher commands to develop concrete measures applicable to frontline divisions, thereby strengthening medical support capabilities in both wartime and peacetime.

Lt. Col. Kim Ji-ho, commander of the medical battalion participating in the exercise, said, “This was a valuable opportunity to advance the medical support system for frontline soldiers. We recognize that actual battlefields present various risks, and we will strive to establish a medical support posture capable of saving comrades at any time.”

Reporter: Bae Ji-yeol

[YouTube video link]
https://youtu.be/fJYcBsYeCrM?si=zSrSkCs3vyilqO3q

Original Article