Robot dogs are quickly becoming a game-changer in modern warfare, and the US and South Korea are making sure they stay at the forefront of this technological revolution.
Earlier this month, the two countries conducted a joint exercise aimed at refining tunnel warfare tactics and demonstrating the capabilities of quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) in navigating hidden, underground battlegrounds.
The robot dogs were deployed to Paju City in Gyeonggi Province to simulate assaults on North Korea’s extensive and highly-classified underground tunnel networks.
During the exercise, the Q-UGVs played a crucial role in providing underground intelligence and combat support, as mechanized units secured all entry and exit points and disabled key utilities.
According to Lt. Col. Jang Yun-Seong from the South Korean military’s 25th Infantry Division, the drills highlighted the role of robotic platforms in reducing battlefield risks, as these advanced assets can enter dangerous, confined spaces without putting human soldiers at risk.
“It was an invaluable opportunity for South Korean and US troops being in one team and sharing underground combat strategies,” Lt. Col. Hwang Hyeon-jo, a commander from the Special Maneuvers Support Brigade, added.
“We were able to accumulate diverse operational experiences and identify areas for improvement in underground warfare.”
Learning From Gaza War
Tunnel warfare has gained significant global attention since the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The Iran-backed militants were found to have used an extensive network of tunnels for holding hostages, smuggling weapons, and facilitating escapes.
In November 2023, Israel reportedly uncovered a tunnel beneath Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital, stretching 55 meters (180 feet) underground.
The Israeli Defense Force later alleged that the facility housed a command-and-control center or was used for weapons storage.
Concerns are rising that a similar underground strategy could unfold in a potential conflict on the Korean Peninsula, prompting allied forces to prepare intensively.
“The integration of uncrewed systems fundamentally changes how we approach high-risk operations,” Jang added. “We are continuously evaluating whether operating alongside robots enhances survivability more than sending them in first.”
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