US launches Freedom Edge 2026 with Japan and South Korea amid rising North Korean missile threats

Japan, South Korea and the United States began the five-day Freedom Edge 2026 exercise on September 7 in international waters near Jeju and western Kyushu. The fourth iteration includes six surface combatants, land-based tactical aircraft and activities across maritime, air and cyber domains, including track sharing and aerial refuelling. Named destroyers include ROKS Yulgok Yi I, ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, JS Atago, JS Asahi and USS Benfold, with no US aircraft carrier participating. The drill strengthens trilateral interoperability amid regional missile threats rather than constituting a new permanent force arrangement.