US, Japan, South Korea launch Freedom Edge 2026 as North Korea commissions new destroyer

New Delhi: Japan, South Korea and the United States on Monday began the fourth edition of their trilateral Freedom Edge exercise, bringing together major air and naval assets for a five-day multi-domain drill. The exercise, which runs from September 7 to 11, opened at Yokota Air Base in Japan and is being conducted across international waters and airspace south and east of South Korea’s Jeju Island, as well as at military installations and command posts in Japan.

The drill focuses on improving coordination in air operations and integrated air and missile defence, while also expanding real-time information sharing, cyber defence, medical training and maritime operations. Six Aegis-equipped destroyers are expected to participate, alongside fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft and aerial refuelling tankers.

South Korea is deploying the 7,600-tonne ROKS Yulgok Yi I and ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, while Japan is contributing the 7,700-tonne Atago and 5,100-tonne Asahi destroyers, along with P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, SH-60K helicopters and F-15 fighter jets, the Korea Times reported. The US Navy’s 7th fleet has also announced the arrival of the 6,900-tonne Arleigh Burke-class USS Benfold at Busan, raising the possibility of its participation in the exercise.

US Forces Japan commander Lieutenant General Stephen Jost said the absence of a US aircraft carrier would not affect the exercise’s objectives, scope or scale. He also said US military deployments reflect wider operational requirements and should not be viewed as a reduction in Washington’s commitment to the region.

The three countries have described Freedom Edge as defensive in nature and said it is being conducted in accordance with international law and norms. South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff said the exercise is aimed at strengthening deterrence and response capabilities while supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

North Korea’s new warship adds urgency to trilateral drill

The exercise comes just a day after North Korea commissioned its second 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class destroyer, the Kang Kon, in a ceremony attended by North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un. The timing has added significance to this year’s drill, with South Korean officials directly linking Freedom Edge to the growing threat from North Korea’s nuclear, missile and naval capabilities.

“The trilateral Freedom Edge exercise is being executed to counter North Korean nuclear and missile threats and that’s the main purpose of the exercise,” Rear Admiral Kim Ji-hoon of South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff said at a press briefing at Yokota Air Base. He added that the exercise would also send a message following North Korea’s construction of the new warship, the Korea Times reported.

The Kang Kon was commissioned at the eastern port city of Wonsan on Sunday, as RNA Media reported. Kim said the destroyer would become part of North Korea’s nuclear response system and strengthen its ability to carry out retaliatory strikes.

Kim also vowed to further strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities and said another demonstration of its naval build-up would come within eight months, state media reported. His remarks have fuelled speculation that Pyongyang could be preparing to unveil another major strategic naval asset.