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US-South Korea-Japan trilateral military exercises

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2026-09-07 06:06 UTC → 2026-09-09 11:09 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The United States, South Korea, and Japan have commenced the ~~five-day~~ ‘Freedom ~~Edge’~~ Edge 2026’ trilateral military exercise, ~~which began on~~ running from September ~~7. The~~ 7 to September 11. This fourth iteration of the multi-domain drills ~~are~~ is taking place in international waters east and south of Jeju Island. The exercise is designed to enhance joint operational and response capabilities across maritime, air, and cyber ~~domains.~~ domains, with a specific focus on strengthening integrated air and missile defense. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the drills are defensive in nature, ~~focusing on maritime missile defense, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and cyber defense~~ aiming to bolster deterrence against North Korean nuclear and missile threats. The ~~exercise~~ naval component involves ~~significant military assets, including~~ six surface combatants, including Aegis-equipped destroyers, alongside maritime patrol aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters, and refueling ~~tankers.~~ aircraft. Notably, this year’s exercise is being conducted without the presence of a U.S. aircraft carrier, utilizing surface combatants and tactical aviation instead. Specific deployments include South Korea’s ROKS Yulgok Yi I and ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong destroyers, alongside Japan’s Atago-class and Asahi-class destroyers. The scheduled exercise follows a period of changes to regional military ~~activities. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered~~ activities, including a reduction in the scale of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) bilateral exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, shortening them from 11 days to five. Additionally, the Ssangyong amphibious exercise was canceled, with reports citing force availability constraints related to the war with Iran. exercises. While North Korea has historically characterized such trilateral drills as ‘war rehearsals’ or a ‘reckless show of strength,’ the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized that these operations are conducted in accordance with international law and norms to maintain regional ~~stability.~~ stability amid ongoing concerns regarding North Korea and China.

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