(2nd LD) S. Korea, U.S., Japan to conduct Freedom Edge joint drills in early Sept.

South Korea, the United States, and Japan will conduct the trilateral military exercise Freedom Edge in international waters east and south of Jeju Island from September 7-11, according to the Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). This annual exercise, held defensively, aims to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and maintain regional peace and stability.

This year, the trilateral exercise will focus on enhancing interoperability through improved real-time data sharing and synchronized coordination. The U.S. Pacific Command emphasizes the significance of the exercise in demonstrating collective strength, interoperability, and commitment to defense in the Indo-Pacific region. The drills will include multi-national maritime and aviation capabilities, advanced air defense scenarios, medical evacuation training, and maritime interdiction operations.

This comes after Seoul and Washington reduced their bilateral Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise last week, following President Donald Trump's order to minimize the drills as a gesture towards North Korea. The upcoming Freedom Edge exercise is expected to involve similar scale and scope to previous years, with key U.S. military assets yet to be confirmed.