Royal Marines host first UK special forces drills with South Korean commandos

The Royal Navy reported that British commandos have been working with their Republic of Korea counterparts to master techniques used to stop terrorists and drug smugglers in training across South West England.

The training event marked the first time that members of the RoK’s Navy Special Warfare Group (NSW) have travelled to the UK to work with Royal Marines from 42 Commando and 29 Commando. 42 Commando specialises in missions like counter-smuggling, piracy, and terrorism.

The exercises simulated realistic scenarios to train in boarding drills (including the boarding of German replenishment tanker, Rhön), close-quarters combat training, and fast roping from helicopters. The RN wrote, “During an intense fortnight, they planned and executed opposed vessel seizures, special reconnaissance missions and raiding operations.

Aircraft from Commando Helicopter Forces 845 Naval Air Squadron took part. The Royal Navy notes that 42 Commando’s Special Operations Maritime Task Unit 10 is required to maintain exceptionally high levels of readiness for maritime special operations around the world.

Building on 2025’s Operation Highmast

The Royal Navy last conducted this type of training with Korean forces in 2025 as HMS Prince of Wales led the UK Carrier Strike Group on a world tour that included Korea in Operation Highmast.

Major George Eatwell, officer in command of M Coy, 42 Commando, said: “Having worked alongside RoK NSW off the Korean Peninsula last summer during Op Highmast and the Carrier Strike Group deployment, it was a privilege to host a team from the Special Mission Battalion at 42 Commando.”

@42_commando Royal Marines 🗡️ conducting boarding and ship search excercises whilst deployed on #OpHighmast

Per Mare, Per Terram.#CSG25 pic.twitter.com/Cex1Lq6v7w

— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) June 23, 2025

Meanwhile, Korea’s Lieutenant Colonel Oh Hyun-seok, commander of the Special Mission Battalion, said: “This training has confirmed the solid cooperation framework between Korean and UK special operations units and provided an opportunity to raise our practical coalition capability to a higher stage.”

Highmast signalled a return of carrier operational readiness to the Royal Navy following a gap with the retirement of the Illustrious class in 2010.

The Royal Navy’s 845 Naval Air Squadron

The Commando Helicopter Forces 845 Naval Air Squadron operates the Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) Merlin HC4 and HC4A medium-lift helicopters, which are designed Merlin Mk 4 and Mk 4A helicopters in the Royal Navy.

They are upgraded maritime versions of the former RAF Merlin HC3/HC3A fleet that were transferred to the Royal Navy. The squadron is believed to have around ten of these helicopters in service.

The squadron is composed of around 230 personnel and is designed to be deployed around the globe. They operate from both land and sea and are able to operate independently or integrate with partner forces.

The other two units in the Commando Helicopter Force (all based at RNAS Yeovilton) are 846 NAS and 847 NAS, which operate Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, respectively.