Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

“A hundred times, a thousand times the punishment will follow if the North provokes again”

Received the North’s virtual shelling at the same time as a year ago…radar detection·target ranging

49 army battalions fired shells with over 300 K9 and K55 self-propelled artillery all together

28th Army Division played a critical role in full operation, and reflected on the meaning of victory with local residents

On August 20 of last year, North Korea carried out planned and deliberate hit-and-run artillery fire towards southern area of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). As this offensive action of the North, which was dead against the ceasefire agreement, was a serious provocation, our army fired back severely and immediately based on the on-scene commander’s decision. It was the first shell-firing towards the northern area of the MDL since 42 years ago in 1973, and experts evaluate this operation as a complete operation that showcased our power through quick response and accurate shooting. On August 18, two days before the 1st anniversary of the perfect response to the enemy’s shelling provocation, the Army announced their strong, firm will to punish the North’s provocations at home or abroad, while holding the largest-ever artillery training around the entire lines.

Self-propelled artillery fired together make a deep, earthshaking rumble

On August 18 in the afternoon, a heat wave was hitting the camp in Buheung-dong, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do. There were 20 K9 and K55 self-propelled artillery belonging to the 6th Army Corps being prepared for battle, an imposing sight. Significantly, the 26th Army Division, White Tiger artillery battalion, who fired 29 155-mm self-propelled artillery in response to the shelling provocation from North Korea last year, also participated in the training. The main training started with a scenario in which North Korea shelled around the DMZ area. The artillery corps that were on standby immediately received notice of the situation. When all the self-propelled artillery sets a machine all together, a loud sound of engines filled the training ground. Then, Arther-K, a counterbattery detection radar, detected targets. The target data was transmitted to 3 participating artillery battalions at once. As gunners inside the self-propelled artillery checked the data transmitted to their displays, the gigantic gun barrels 8 meters in length were moved gradually and took aim at the targets.

Finally, everything was set for firing. The hands of the clock pointed to 5:04 pm. “Ready, fire!” The order from the firing commanding officer was sent by radio into the self-propelled artillery. “Wham!” As 20 guns started firing, an earthshaking sound echoed around the shooting range.

Then, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on standby near the training ground took off and checked the damage to the enemy while circling over the target ground. Watching the real-time images received from the UAV, the artillery fire control center issued a second order to fire. The self-propelled gun reflected the modified target data and fired towards the enemy again. Dreadful firepower from a cannon hit the target 6 kilometers away, with pinpoint accuracy. While soldiers participating in the training showed a more precise level of performance compared to last year, they resolved to destroy the starting point as well as the enemy’s commanding and supporting forces to prevent any further provocations.

Never forget…the strained moment at 5:04 pm, August 20

On this day, 49 army battalions in total all fired shells together towards the north target ground, mobilizing over 300 cannons at 5:04 pm. This was a moment in the largest artillery training ever. And the unit, which was not able to use live fire due to limitations on shooting range conditions, conducted a firing procedure training at the same time. All the artillery corps at the front area opened fire against the North at the same time, delivering a symbolic message that we are going to severely punish the enemy if provoked again. “I keenly realized the importance of peacetime training while experiencing the actual operation. I am fully ready to punish the enemy a hundred times, a thousand times more strongly if I were assigned a fire mission right now,” said a soldier who participated in the fire training.

Promoted firm resolution with local residents

An event celebrating the perfect operation was later held with local residents. The 28th Army Division held a special event at Taepung Observatory to think about the significance of the 1st anniversary of 820 full operation, in which civilians and the military came together for victory. GOP soldiers at that time played a vital role in enabling a quick response by locating the shelling site and reporting the observed details immediately. And local residents made a fast evacuation, actively cooperating with the military operation, and did not spare any efforts in supporting the army. Those soldiers and residents who stood together as one gathered again after one year. The Governor of Yeoncheon-gun, residents in Jung-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun, chairman of Invincible Typhoon Supporters, men of merit of the operation and soldiers from the division who put off their discharge attended the event organized by a divisional commander.

To make it an even more meaningful event, the division also fired K9 self-propelled artillery on the training ground near the event site. All the participants looked back upon the moment of response shelling with great force a year ago, and pledged their resolve to deal out more powerful punishment if provoked again.

By Seung-Hee, Ahn < seung@dema.mil.kr >
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