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 preparing for a joint military exercise with South Korea and Japan, according to the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), which indicated the drills are proceeding as planned despite a recent reduction in a combined Seoul-Washington exercise. The exercise, dubbed Freedom Edge, will be carried out in coordination with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
Lt. Cmdr. Chloe Morgan, a PACOM spokesperson, confirmed this to Yonhap News Agency via email. Morgan emphasized that the 2026 iteration of Freedom Edge will continue to promote shared values, improve interoperability, and strengthen defense partnerships to ensure peace and stability across the Pacific region. She did not disclose further specifics regarding the scale and scope of this year's exercise, as compared to the previous drills held in June, November of 2024, and September last year.
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