South Korea, Japan and US set joint drills despite Trump cuts

The three countries will proceed with the multi-domain Freedom Edge exercise near Jeju Island

“This exercise is a defensive drill conducted annually by the three countries to respond to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and safeguard peace and stability in the region,” the JCS said in a statement.

The multi-domain exercise is expected to include maritime missile defence, air and air-defence drills, anti-submarine warfare and cyber defence, according to Seoul’s Yonhap news agency.

Freedom Edge was first held in June 2024 following an agreement reached by the leaders of the three countries at their Camp David summit in 2023.

“This premier multi-domain exercise will continue to reinforce our shared values, enhance our shared interoperability and further strengthen our defence partnerships to ensure peace and stability throughout the Pacific,” said a spokeswoman for the United States Pacific Command, Yonhap reported on Wednesday.

The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump this month ordered the countries’ annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises cut from 11 days to five.