US, South Korea, Japan begin 5-day Freedom Edge joint military exercise

The United States, South Korea, and Japan kicked off the five-day joint military exercise Freedom Edge on [date not specified], in international waters east and south of South Korea's southern island of Jeju, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing a statement from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The 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.

The JCS statement said, "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 drills involve major maritime and air assets from the armed forces of the three countries, with a joint exercise control group overseeing the operations for their systematic and safe execution, as reported by Anadolu Agency (AA).

The Korean military said the joint drills are aimed at enhancing deterrence and response capabilities against North Korean nuclear and missile threats while safeguarding regional peace and stability. According to sources familiar with the matter, the three countries will deploy six Aegis-equipped destroyers along with maritime patrol aircraft, fighter jets, and refueling tanker aircraft.

The South Korean Navy is deploying the 7,600-ton 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 will deploy the 7,700-ton Atago and 5,100-ton Asahi destroyers, P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, SH-60K helicopters, and F-15 fighter jets. The US Navy announced on social media last week the arrival of its 6,900-ton Arleigh Burke-class USS Benfold at a port in South Korea's southern city of Busan, possibly indicating its participation in the trilateral drills. No US aircraft carrier is expected to participate in Freedom Edge given the ongoing US war against Iran, according to sources.

According to Mehr News Agency, the exercise is part of ongoing trilateral security cooperation among the three nations, which have conducted similar drills in the past to address regional security challenges. The report by Mehr News added that the exercise underscores the commitment of the three countries to maintaining peace and stability in the region.