Seoul, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : The United States, South Korea, and Japan began a five-day joint military exercise on Monday. This drill, named “Freedom Edge,” takes place in international waters to the east and south of South Korea’s Jeju Island. It follows a recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to limit some major military exercises between Seoul and Washington.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the exercise aims to strengthen the operational capabilities and response coordination among the three nations across maritime, aerial, and cyber domains. The JCS emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust and stable alliance.
Key naval and air assets from all three countries will participate in the exercise, which will be overseen by a joint control group to ensure safe and organized operations. As reported by Yonhap News Agency, this annual exercise is defensive in nature and conducted in accordance with international laws and standards.
The primary goal is to bolster deterrence and response capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats while promoting peace and stability in the region. This iteration marks the fourth version of the exercise, which began in June 2024. Despite the recent scaling down of the “Ulchi Freedom Shield” (UFS) exercise between South Korea and the U.S., Freedom Edge is proceeding as scheduled.
The UFS was halved following Trump’s directives, reflecting a softer stance towards North Korea, which has long criticized these joint military drills as preparations for war.
Details about the specific military equipment and ships involved in Freedom Edge have not been disclosed. However, sources indicate that the exercise will feature six Aegis-equipped destroyers, maritime surveillance aircraft, fighter jets, and refueling tankers.
The South Korean navy is deploying the 7,600-ton ROKS Yulgok Yi I and ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong destroyers. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces will send the 7,700-ton Atago and 5,100-ton Asahi destroyers, along with P-1 maritime surveillance aircraft, SH-60K helicopters, and F-15 fighter jets.
Additionally, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet announced last week that the 6,900-ton USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, has arrived at South Korea’s Busan port, indicating its potential involvement in the joint exercise.
Last year’s drills were conducted without an American aircraft carrier for the first time since the exercises began in June 2024, as U.S. carrier strike groups were deployed in the Middle East. Due to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, it is unlikely that an American aircraft carrier will participate in this week’s Freedom Edge exercise.
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