Freedom Edge: Trilateral Military Exercise Amid Rising Tensions

South Korea, the United States, and Japan will commence a three-day joint military exercise, 'Freedom Edge,' featuring the USS George Washington. This exercise responds to North Korean threats and highlights cooperation in missile and cyber defense among the nations amid evolving regional tensions.

In response to mounting threats from North Korea, South Korea, the United States, and Japan are set to embark on a significant three-day joint military exercise named 'Freedom Edge'. The operation, commencing Wednesday, will showcase a collaborative display of military might with participation from fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, and the formidable U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

This joint maneuver follows North Korea's recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, which has been met with condemnation from major capitals including Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington. Concurrently, there are reports from the U.S. State Department indicating that North Korean troops have engaged in Russia's conflict with Ukraine.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff have confirmed that the exercise will extend beyond mere military readiness, incorporating essential maritime missile defense and cyber defense training. The U.S. Air Force has also revealed plans to retire its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from key regions including South Korea by 2025, aligning with its future modernization endeavors.

(With inputs from agencies.)