Page 222 - 2018 Defense White Paper

education and training system as well as special warfare operations capabilities. Meanwhile,

the ROK Armed Forces utilizes the deployment as an opportunity to improve its own special
operations capabilities through training in arid desert environments that the ROK Armed forces
cannot experience back home as well as realistic training that utilizes the UAE forces’ cutting

edge facilities and equipment. In case of high altitude and nighttime parachuting training, in
particular, the ROK servicemembers are able to complete a high volume of the training within six
months in the UAE that would otherwise take six to seven years in the ROK. The ROK Armed

Forces also saves on training costs by utilizing the advanced UAE facilities and equipment.
The ROK and the UAE have engaged in active exchanges and cooperation in many defense
areas since the deployment of the Akh Unit. Delegations from the two countries’ army, navy, and

air forces have visited each other to participate in diverse programs, including special warfare
training, thus helping further strengthen the military conf idence between the two countries. The
Akh Unit, the symbol of trust and cooperation between the ROK and the UAE, has contributed
to the development of the two country’s relationship into a special strategic partnership. The

unit’s major activities are summarized in [Chart 5-11].

[ Chart 5-11 ] Akh Unit’s Major Activities
As of November 2018
Contribution to the development of the UAE Armed Forces by
Enhancement of UAE Forces’ improving their special warfare capabilities
Capabilities Improvement of the education and training system of the UAE Armed
Forces

Utilization of the cutting edge facilities and equipment of the UAE to
enhance special operations capabilities
Enhancement of ROK’s Training activities to enhance survivability under harsh conditions (high
Military Capabilities temperatures above 50°C, desert)
Long-range firing exercise and High Altitude Low Opening(HALO)
training

UAE observation of major ROK exercises and participation in ROK–
UAE combined exercises
Exchange of officers for consignment education by each service of the
Expansion of Defense ROK–UAE Armed Forces
Exchanges Medical cooperation including the treatment of UAE military patients
and families at ROK civilian hospitals
Establishment of a defense diplomacy hub in the Middle East that
covers cooperation for defense exports

220 Chapter 5 Development of the ROK–U.S. Alliance, and Expansion of Defense Exchanges and Cooperation