US preparing for Freedom Edge joint exercise with S. Korea, Japan: US Pacific Command
The United States is preparing to conduct a trilateral military exercise with South Korea and Japan, the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) said Wednesday, suggesting that the drills are on track despite the recent scaling back of a Seoul-Washington combined exercise at U.S. President Donald Trump's directive. "In close coordination with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Republic of Korea Armed…
The United States is set to carry out a joint military exercise with South Korea and Japan, according to the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). This trilateral drill, known as Freedom Edge, is scheduled to take place in 2026, suggesting it is currently on schedule. PACOM spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Chloe Morgan confirmed that the United States, in close coordination with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, is preparing for the event.
Morgan emphasized that the exercise will reinforce shared values, boost interoperability, and strengthen defense partnerships to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region. However, she did not provide further specifics regarding the scope and scale of this year's exercise compared to the previous drills held in June, November, and September of 2024.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- US preparing for Freedom Edge joint exercise with S. Korea, Japan: US Pacific Command koreatimes.co.kr
- S. Korea, US, Japan to Proceed with Freedom Edge Military Exercise world.kbs.co.kr
- Japan to deploy fighter jets to India for 1st time for joint exercise mainichi.jp
- U.S. preparing for Freedom Edge joint exercise with S. Korea, Japan: U.S. Pacific Command en.yna.co.kr