Japan, ROK, U.S. boost interoperability, deterrence in Freedom Edge exercise
FORUM Staff
Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States strengthened interoperability and force readiness to bolster Indo-Pacific deterrence during the Freedom Edge drills in September 2026.
The multidomain exercise, a cornerstone of the trilateral defense architecture, emphasized cyber defense coordination and medical training. The exercise took place across international waters and airspace south and east of the ROK and at defense installations and command posts in Japan.
The forces deployed six naval destroyers, fighter jets, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft and refueling tankers, the Yonhap news service reported.
It was the fourth iteration of Freedom Edge since its launch in June 2024 and came amid the North Korean regime’s continued ballistic missile launches and illicit nuclear weapons program in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Freedom Edge also coincided with Pyongyang commissioning the nuclear-capable destroyer Kang Kon.
“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 Adm. Kim Ji-hoon of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff said. “I am sure this will also send a message to the recently constructed ship by North Korea.
“Through the exercise, we seek to deepen mutual understanding and trust amongst us and wish that it will serve as a valuable chance to further develop the level of our trilateral security cooperation,” he said.
The exercise featured real-time data sharing and synchronization, air defense scenarios, and maritime interdiction operations, according to the U.S. Pacific Command (US PACOM).
“The message of this exercise is simple and clear. The Republic of Korea, Japan and the United States stand together on common interests, ready to preserve the peace and security we have built and defended for more than eight decades,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, commander of U.S. Forces Japan.
The exercise demonstrates the nations’ commitment to regional peace and stability.
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“Freedom Edge was a valuable opportunity for Japan, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea to enhance our defensive capabilities, which contribute to a security environment that does not tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo,” said Capt. Takenori Koga, exercise control group director for the Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Staff.
Drills tested how quickly and effectively the forces can communicate and operate together. Ships conducted replenishment at sea, while maritime and aviation crews practiced multilateral medical evacuations and search and rescue operations. Command and control teams synchronized actions across multiple domains, connecting information for faster decision-making.
“What began as a maritime-focused effort in the first iteration of Freedom Edge now integrates air, maritime, missile defense, cyber and medical capabilities in a more connected training environment,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew McNeal, exercise control group director for US PACOM.
Additional enhancements are expected. “We will … continue to closely coordinate with our U.S. and Japanese counterparts for continued development of the Freedom Edge exercise,” Kim said.
