In pictures: South Korea displays military might amid tensions with North

Seoul displayed its new weapon systems during a ceremony marking its 69th Armed Forces Day.

This picture taken on September 25, 2017 shows a South Korean soldier sitting on a Chunma self-propelled short-range air defence missile system during an marking South Koreas Armed Forces Day, on October 1, at the Second Fleet Command of Navy in Pyeongtaek.
AFP

This picture taken on September 25, 2017 shows a South Korean soldier sitting on a Chunma self-propelled short-range air defence missile system during an marking South Koreas Armed Forces Day, on October 1, at the Second Fleet Command of Navy in Pyeongtaek.

South Korea on Thursday displayed its new weapon systems including ballistic missiles amid tensions with North Korea, during a ceremony marking its 69th Armed Forces Day, which will fall on October 1.

The commemoration ceremony was held for the first time at a navy facility in Pyeongthaek, some 70 km south of Seoul. 

It's significant since the venue is close to the sea border where South Korea has engaged in several deadly clashes with the North in the past.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Defence Minister Song Young-moo were both present during the ceremony. 

This year's event took place early, as Koreans are enjoying Chuseok harvest holidays next week. 

During his speech, Moon insisted he has confidence in his own military as he moves to take wartime operational control from the United States.

Reuters

South Korean Air Force Black Eagles aerobatic team perform at the Second Fleet Command of Navy in Pyeongtaek. On Thursday, South Korea stressed the transfer of operational control (OPCON) from US would “lead to a great development of our militarys structure and capabilities.

Reuters

Paratroopers performed a formation jump during a commemoration ceremony held in Pyeongtaek.

Reuters

A South Korean Navy Lynx helicopter fires flares during the ceremony in Pyeongtaek. Seoul had been planning to take full military control from its ally the US by the end of 2015, but Moon’s predecessor postponed the move indefinitely.

Reuters

President Moon Jae-in (R) and Defence Minister Song Young-moo (L) were both present. The heightened security threat that surrounds the Korean Peninsula is demanding patience and pain from us more than ever. However, it cannot break our will to build peace, Moon said after the review.

AFP

South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) said he has confidence in his own military during the ceremony. He said, We will defeat this crisis and protect peace. Our pending goal is also clear. It is to stop North Koreas provocation and make them give up their nuclear weapons. 

AFP

Special Army soldiers perform martial arts during a media day presentation on September 25, 2017.

AFP

Members of the Special Warfare Command demonstrated their skills at the commemoration event. The event took place early, as Koreans are enjoying Chuseok harvest holidays next week.

AFP

South Korea displayed key weapons at the annual celebration of the countrys armed forces. This picture taken on September 25, 2017 shows a Taurus long-range air-to-surface missile .

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