The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced on the 5th that the United States, South Korea, and Japan will conduct a multi-domain exercise called '2025 Freedom Edge' from the 15th to the 19th in the waters southeast of Jeju.
The JCS explained, "The three countries will strengthen their capabilities in maritime, air, and cyber domains through Freedom Edge and maintain robust and stable cooperation among the three countries by enhancing interoperability."
It continued, "This exercise is an annual training aimed at responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats while complying with international laws and norms, and preserving peace and stability in the region."
This third training session is the first Freedom Edge exercise conducted after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January and South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung in June this year.
Freedom Edge was first carried out from June 27 to 29 last year in the southern waters of Jeju. At that time, the three countries conducted multi-domain exercises including ▲ Maritime missile defense ▲ Air defense and air exercises ▲ Anti-submarine exercises ▲ Search and rescue ▲ Maritime blockade ▲ Cyber defense.
Although the three countries have previously conducted one-time trilateral exercises such as missile alerts or strategic bomber operations, Freedom Edge is the first regular multi-domain training.