U.S., South Korea & Japan to Begin “Freedom Edge” Defence Drills Amid Rising Tensions

South Korea, Japan, and the United States announced that they will commence their annual joint exercise “Freedom Edge” on September 15, 2025.

The drills will cover aerial, naval, and cyber domains, aiming to bolster readiness in response to growing missile and nuclear threats from North Korea.

The timing follows a recent major military parade in Beijing, which was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin — a demonstration of increasingly close ties among these powers.

While specific troop numbers and equipment remain undisclosed, the exercise is framed as essential for regional deterrence and coordination under international law.

Author: Global Ripple

Posted on: September 05, 2025