South Korea and the United States kicked off their combined amphibious landing exercise on Monday to strengthen their combat readiness posture and interoperability. 

According to the Navy on Sunday, the Navy and Marine Corps of the two nations will conduct the Ssangyong amphibious exercise through September 7 in the southeastern city of Pohang and the eastern coast.

The exercise will mobilize division-level landing forces, some 40 vessels, 40 aircraft and about 40 amphibious assault vehicles. 

This year, South Korea's drone operations command, which was established in September last year, will participate in the exercise for the first time and conduct surveillance using drones. Britain’s Royal Marines Commandos will also join the exercise. 

Beginning this year, the allies' Marine Corps will organize a combined staff group, which will jointly lead the landing exercise aboard the South Korean Marado amphibious assault ship.