Seoul: South Korea, the United States, and Japan initiated a five-day joint military exercise on Monday, maintaining the schedule despite recent reductions in key Seoul-Washington drills following U.S. President Donald Trump's directive. The comprehensive Freedom Edge exercise is underway in international waters near South Korea's southern island of Jeju, as confirmed by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Freedom Edge exercise, now in its fourth iteration since its launch in June 2024, proceeds as planned despite the recent scaling back of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise between South Korea and the U.S. The UFS was halved following Trump's order, an apparent conciliatory move towards North Korea, which has consistently criticized such drills as preparations for war.
Coinciding with the start of these exercises, North Korea recently commissioned its new naval destroyer, the Kang Kon, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance. Kim pledged to enhance the regime's nuclear capabilities, hinting at potential developments in nuclear-powered submarines.
Rear Adm. Kim Ji-hoon of South Korea's JCS emphasized the trilateral Freedom Edge exercise's aim to counter North Korean nuclear and missile threats. Speaking at Yokota Air Base near Tokyo, he remarked on the exercise's significance as a deterrent and its role in strengthening trilateral security cooperation among the three nations.
Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, addressed concerns regarding the absence of a U.S. aircraft carrier in this year's drills, clarifying that it does not signal a shift in commitment to the region. He affirmed that there have been no changes to the scope, scale, or objectives of the exercise, noting an increased focus on cyber defense and medical training.
The South Korean military highlighted that the drills would enhance operational readiness and joint response capabilities across multiple domains, including maritime, air, and cyber. Major maritime and air assets from the three countries will be involved, with a joint exercise control group overseeing the operations.
The JCS reiterated that the exercise is an annual, defensive drill conducted in line with international law and norms, focusing on deterring North Korean threats while safeguarding regional peace. Although specific military assets were not disclosed, sources indicate the participation of six Aegis-equipped destroyers and various aircraft.
Plans for the 2026 Freedom Edge, announced by the U.S. Pacific Command, include enhanced data sharing and coordination among the participating countries, with a focus on air defense and maritime operations. This exercise follows previous iterations held in November 2024 and September last year.