The US, South Korea and Japan began a five-day joint military exercise on Monday in international waters east and south of South Korea’s Jeju Island, aimed at strengthening their operational and joint response capabilities across maritime, air and cyber domains.
The Freedom Edge exercise began as scheduled despite the administration of US President Donald Trump shortening the bilateral Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise with South Korea last month in an effort to encourage North Korea to return to talks.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the three countries would use the exercise to improve their operational and joint response capabilities while maintaining a stable cooperative relationship.
The drills involve major maritime and air assets from the three countries, with a joint exercise control group overseeing the operations to ensure their systematic and safe conduct.
According to the South Korean military, the exercise is intended to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities against North Korean nuclear and missile threats and contribute to regional peace and stability.
North Korea has repeatedly criticised military exercises involving the United States and its allies, describing them as preparations for war.
Six Aegis-equipped destroyers are expected to take part in the exercise, along with maritime patrol aircraft, fighter jets and refuelling tanker aircraft, according to Yonhap News Agency, 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.
Japan’s Joint Staff of the Self-Defense Forces 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 said on social media last week that its 6,900-tonne Arleigh Burke-class USS Benfold had arrived at a port in Busan, South Korea. Sources said the vessel was expected to 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 the sources.
