On September 15, 2025, the United States, South Korea, and Japan began their large-scale joint exercise “Freedom Edge” near South Korea’s Jeju Island. The five-day drill (till September 19) is aimed at boosting trilateral defense cooperation against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
About the Exercise
Freedom Edge is a multi-domain drill covering sea, air, and cyberspace operations. It includes ballistic missile defense, air-defense training, maritime operations, cyber coordination, and medical evacuation drills. The US Indo-Pacific Command called it the most advanced trilateral exercise so far.
North Korea’s Response
North Korea condemned the drill as a “provocation.” Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, warned it would “inevitably bring bad results.” Pyongyang also criticized the Iron Mace tabletop exercise, which overlaps with Freedom Edge and explores nuclear-conventional integration.
Strategic Importance
- Countering Pyongyang’s Arsenal – North Korea has expanded its nuclear and missile capabilities.
- Trilateral Security – Strengthens US-South Korea-Japan alignment and real-time data sharing, following the Camp David Summit.
- Regional Rivalries – Comes as Kim Jong Un deepens ties with Russia and China.
Key Details
- Name: Freedom Edge
- Date: September 15–19, 2025
- Location: Off Jeju Island, South Korea
- Participants: US, South Korea, Japan
- Focus: Missile defense, air/naval drills, cyber ops
