Seoul: Freedom Shield, the annual 10-day joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, commenced on Monday against the backdrop of escalating conflicts in the Middle East following U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran that began on February 28.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the drill is aimed at fortifying the allies' combined defense posture and enhancing response capabilities against security threats. The exercise includes live, virtual, and field-based training.
The importance of South Korea's military readiness is highlighted by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Participation in such exercises is crucial for improving national preparedness. Additionally, Seoul should consider the lessons from the Iran conflict to refine its military strategy, particularly in upgrading drone capabilities to better prepare for modern warfare.
The joint U.S.-Israeli campaign has targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) facilities, along with launching cyber and kinetic operations to disrupt infrastructure. This has led to communication blackouts and affected global supply chains, impacting Koreans due to rising energy prices. The IRGC's use of drones and missiles to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz has further exacerbated the situation.
Eight commercial vessels have been damaged or sunk, causing a surge in oil prices. Brent crude is trading at $101.19 per barrel, marking a 38 percent increase since the conflict began. South Korea's reliance on imported oil makes its economy particularly susceptible to this volatility.
The conflict underscores how asymmetric capabilities can challenge advanced militaries. The U.S. military's struggle to counter Iran's low-cost Shahed drones, which have damaged high-value assets, illustrates the challenge Washington faces. The U.S. has sought Ukraine's assistance in countering these drones, given Ukraine's experience with them in its conflict with Russia.
South Korea's military is considered superior to North Korea's, yet the U.S.'s difficulty in handling Iran's drones is a cautionary tale. In January, the Lee Jae Myung administration moved to dismantle the Drone Operation Command, citing inefficiencies. However, this decision is speculated to be linked to a purge of military officials following the declaration of martial law in December 2024.
The Ministry of National Defense has not confirmed the abolition of the Drone Operation Command. National security requires minimizing partisan politics, and dismantling the command due to alleged involvement in the martial law crisis could be a significant error. As drones reshape warfare, South Korea must enhance its drone capabilities and military readiness.