Daegu: The South Korean military on Monday launched its annual Hwarang defense drills, which are set to last for several months. These exercises are being conducted in collaboration with government, police, and firefighting agencies to bolster a unified defense strategy across various regions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the initial phase of the Hwarang defense drills commenced on Monday and will span five days in the southeastern city of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. The exercises will extend through November, taking place in different regions as planned by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

This year's drills are centered on training for a range of emergency scenarios, including drone attacks targeting energy facilities and other vital national infrastructure. Since their inception in 1977, the Hwarang drills have aimed to evaluate and strengthen the integrated defense readiness of participating agencies, with contingencies customized to the specific regions involved.