Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Korea-Germany-Czech Republic successfully complete their first ‘Combined Inspection Exercise’

The first combined inspection exercise, which was developed by Korea, Germany, and the Czech Republic, has been completed with great success.

On June 19, the Korea Arms Control Verification Agency (KAVA) of the MND announced, “The MND and 102 Army Armored Brigades arranged a combined inspection training between Korea-Germany-Czech Republic from June 13 to 16. Four professional inspectors from Germany and the Czech Republic participated in this training exercise, in which they passed on their rich experience and expertise on traditional armament control.”

Korean and German arms control verification agencies conducted the combined inspection training in Germany in accordance with the MOU that they entered into in 2011, and as the Czech Republic joined in as well, the foundation for this tri-combined training exercise was established. Also, these three nations agreed to take part in combined inspection exercises on an annual basis when the head of KAVA visited Germany, as well as when the head of arms control from the Czech Republic visited Korea last year.

Through this exchange and training, our army has not only shared the experience of implementation of European arms control and verification treaties, but also confirmed the effectiveness of - and responses to - arms control treaties in crisis situations, such as Russia’s recent forceful annexation of Crimea. Especially, as for Korea, meaningful results were achieved such as arrangements on the methods for on-site inspection and verification , which are applicable in the event that traditional arms control is agreed upon in the Korean Peninsula.

By Byeong-No, Yun < trylover@dema.mil.kr >
<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>