S. Korea, Australia to hold first joint naval drill

Seoul (S.Korea), May 24 (Xinhua-ANI): South Korea and Australia will stage their first joint naval exercise next week in waters off South Korea's southern island of Jeju, the South Korean Navy said here Thursday.

The two-day drill beginning next Monday will mobilize some 10 surface warships and submarines, including South Korea's Aegis destroyer "Sejong the Great" and Australia's guided missile frigate "Ballarat."

Dubbed "Haedori-Wallaby," the naval exercise will also involve Lynx anti-submarine helicopters and P-3C patrol aircraft, according to the Navy.

The upcoming drill is the first joint naval maneuver between the two countries since their defense ministers agreed late last year to jointly stage drills on a regular basis.

The exercise will help enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities and joint interoperability of the naval forces, Navy officials said. (Xinhua-ANI)