Mechanized troops take part in a military parade in central Seoul on Sept. 26, 2023, to commemorate the 75th founding anniversary of South Korea’s armed forces this year.
SEOUL, Sept. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – Missiles, tanks, and military personnel paraded through central Seoul to mark Armed Forces Day, the first such event in a decade. President Yoon Suk Yeol, alongside Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and military leaders, participated in the procession despite the rain. This parade signifies South Korea’s increased focus on military capabilities in response to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Hyunmoo sufrace-to-surface missiles are on display in central Seoul on Sept. 26, 2023, in a military parade commemorating the 75th founding anniversary of South Korea’s armed forces this year.
The previous government under Moon Jae-in had skipped the parade as part of its inter-Korean reconciliation efforts. Approximately 3,700 troops and 170 military vehicles, including high-power missiles and main battle tanks, marched through the rain-soaked streets, drawing crowds of spectators.
Military academy cadets take part in a military parade in central Seoul on Sept. 26, 2023, to mark the 75th founding anniversary of South Korea’s armed forces this year.
The parade showcased key components of Seoul’s deterrence strategy against North Korea, including Hyunmoo surface-to-surface missiles, a crucial element of the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) plan. KMPR is part of a three-pronged defense system that includes the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform and the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system.
Soldiers of the U.S. 8th Army march in a parade near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea, during the 75th Armed Forces Day parade.
Additionally, South Korea displayed its Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile system and various unmanned combat systems, including aerial and underwater drones, reflecting their future military strategy.
Soldiers unfurl a large Korean flag in front of Gwanghwamun Gate after a march through the city.
Notably, the parade featured 300 U.S. combat troops, emphasizing the strength of the bilateral alliance, which celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. Due to adverse weather conditions, some planned aerial displays were canceled.
Earlier in the day, President Yoon Suk Yeol inspected the troops and military equipment in a commemorative ceremony at Seoul Air Base.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
