Seoul, Feb 24 (IANS): South Korea and the US will launch their joint annual military drill from March 2 despite strong opposition from North Korea, officials said Tuesday.

According to Seoul's Combined Forces Command (CFC), the computerised command post exercise 'Key Resolve' will be held from March 2 to 13 to improve the combined forces operation and combat capabilities to deter threats from the North, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The two-week drill will involve about 10,000 South Korean and 8,600 American troops.

Separately, the two countries are scheduled to hold the field training exercise 'Foal Eagle', which involves a set of land, sea and air manoeuvres, from March 2 to April 24.

The two-month tactical training will mobilise about 200,000 Korean and 3,700 American troops, mostly from overseas.

North Korea had urged the suspension of the drills in return for its suspension of nuclear tests, a proposal flatly rejected by the two countries.