The US, South Korea and Japan began a five-day joint military exercise on Monday aimed at strengthening their operational and joint response capabilities across multiple domains, local media reported.
The Freedom Edge exercise began in international waters east and south of South Korea’s Jeju Island, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing a statement from the country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
The drill began as scheduled despite US President Donald Trump’s administration shortening last month’s bilateral Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise with South Korea in an effort to encourage North Korea to return to talks.
“The three nations will leverage the drills to enhance operational capabilities and joint response capabilities across multiple domains, including maritime, air and cyber, while maintaining a robust and stable cooperative relationship,” the JCS said.
The exercise will involve major maritime and air assets from the three countries, with a joint exercise control group overseeing operations to ensure their systematic and safe execution.
The South Korean military said the drills were aimed at strengthening deterrence and response capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats while safeguarding regional peace and stability.
North Korea has long denounced the allies’ military drills as rehearsals for war.
The three countries will deploy six Aegis-equipped destroyers, along with maritime patrol aircraft, fighter jets and refuelling tanker aircraft, Yonhap reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The South Korean Navy is deploying the 7,600-tonne ROKS Yulgok Yi I and ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong destroyers, according to the sources.
Japan’s Joint Staff said last month that it would deploy the 7,700-tonne Atago and 5,100-tonne Asahi destroyers, P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, SH-60K helicopters and F-15 fighter jets.
The US Navy announced last week that its 6,900-tonne Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold had arrived at a port in the southern South Korean city of Busan, in a possible indication that it would participate in the trilateral exercise.
No US aircraft carrier is expected to take part in Freedom Edge due to the ongoing US war against Iran, according to sources.
