The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced today (the 5th) that the United States, South Korea, and Japan will conduct a multi-domain exercise called “Freedom Edge 2025” in international waters southeast of Jeju from the 15th to the 19th.
The Joint Chiefs stated, “Through Freedom Edge, the three countries will enhance operational capabilities across various domains such as maritime, air, and cyber, and maintain a solid and stable cooperative relationship among the three nations through improved interoperability.”
They further explained, “This annual exercise is conducted in compliance with international laws and norms, aiming to respond to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and to protect regional peace and stability.”
Freedom Edge, initiated last year from June 27 to 29 in international waters south of Jeju, is aimed at strengthening security cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan.
At that time, the three countries conducted multi-domain exercises including ▲ maritime missile defense ▲ air defense and flight training ▲ anti-submarine warfare ▲ search and rescue ▲ maritime interdiction ▲ cyber defense.
While South Korea, the U.S., and Japan have historically held trilateral military drills such as search and rescue, missile warning, and strategic bomber escort by sea or air, Freedom Edge marked the first regular multi-domain exercise.
The second Freedom Edge was conducted from November 13 to 15 last year in international waters south of Jeju.
During this exercise, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan conducted seven types of training, including ▲ maritime missile defense ▲ air training ▲ maritime security operations ▲ anti-piracy drills ▲ anti-submarine warfare ▲ air defense ▲ cyber defense.
This third Freedom Edge will take place after a 10-month hiatus.
It is the first exercise following the inauguration of the Trump administration in the U.S. in January and President Lee Jae-myung’s presidency on June 4, reflecting the three countries’ intent to continue their security cooperation policy.
A Joint Chiefs representative stated regarding the details of the 3rd Freedom Edge, “It is currently being discussed among the three countries and will be similar to the 1st and 2nd exercises.”
[Photo Source: Yonhap News / Provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff]
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