South Korea, U.S. conclude multinational mine warfare exercise off Busan

South Korea and the United States concluded a multinational maritime mine warfare exercise off the port city of Busan on Friday, October 21, 2026. The ninth iteration of the Multi-National Mine Warfare Exercise 2026 brought together mine countermeasures vessels, explosive ordnance disposal personnel, clearance divers, and autonomous underwater vehicles from 15 partner nations. The drills were designed to enhance mine warfare capabilities and interoperability among participating navies through combined maritime operations. Activities included mine-hunting, harbor clearance, mine detection and neutralization, and seabed surveys. The U.S. Navy deployed the USS Chief, an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, while the South Korean Navy contributed mine laying and hunting vessels. Partner nations such as Japan, Canada, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand also participated.