Joint Teak Knife Exercises Between South Korea and the United States Take Center Stage
South Korea and the United States are carrying out collaborative special forces training under the codename Teak Knife. The latest drills, reported by the Seoul-based media outlet, involve high-level planning and execution led by the Republic of Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. forces stationed in the region. The exercises underscore a sustained alliance and shared readiness in facing regional security challenges. According to Seoul’s reporting, the drills are underway at two key locations: the U.S. Army garrison at Camp Humphreys near Pyeongtaek and Osan Air Base. Activities began in early February and are scheduled to continue through early March, with real-time adjustments being made based on evolving training needs and weather conditions. The purpose remains to sharpen integrated capabilities among allied units, including rapid movement, joint air-ground operations, and coordinated mission planning.
Teak Knife is a program designed to train special forces in penetrating hostile areas and countering threats through a suite of capabilities. Trainees focus on infiltration techniques, close air support coordination, ground-based air traffic control, and hostage rescue operations. These elements are central to the mission profile of elite units tasked with high-stakes, time-sensitive missions in potentially contested environments. The final phase of the exercise reportedly features the U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft, renowned for its precision close air support to ground troops and its ability to deliver sustained, survivable firepower when needed most. This asset underscores the allied emphasis on integrated, multi-domain responses in complex scenarios.
Historically, the two nations have conducted these exercises on an annual cadence since the 1990s. Officials noted that the exercise is treated with a sensitive security posture, which previously limited disclosure. This year, however, the authorities chose to publicize the operation as a strategic signal amid ongoing regional provocations, aiming to deter aggression by North Korea and reassure partners across the area. The tone and timing reflect a clear message: allied forces are prepared to respond swiftly should unpredictable developments arise.
In related developments, the American submarine Springfield was reported to have arrived at the port of Busan. The submarine’s presence is part of a planned operational visit. Military sources indicate that Springfield operates within the U.S. Seventh Fleet’s area of responsibility and is based around Guam. Observers in Seoul view this deployment as a demonstration of maritime strength and a reminder to regional actors to respect alliance commitments and international norms.
Analysts emphasize that the convergence of air, land, and sea capabilities during these events signals a broad, multi-domain approach to deterrence and readiness. The exercises reinforce readiness and interoperability, ensuring that allied commands can coordinate rapidly across service lines if a real crisis emerges. As such, observers expect continued emphasis on secure communication, rapid response timelines, and joint command and control procedures to adapt to shifting threat landscapes. Attribution: reporting from Yonhap News Agency and corroborating outlets in Seoul, with official statements from the U.S. Department of Defense and the South Korean Ministry of National Defense.