Story perspectives

U.S., South Korea, Japan launch Freedom Edge drills near Jeju

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Korea, United States and Japan began a Freedom Edge exercise near Jeju Island on Sept. 7, 2026.
The drill uses naval, air, cyber forces, data sharing, air defense and interdiction.
Six destroyers, including USS Benfold, and about 2,300 personnel participated.
North Korea commissioned its 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon on Sept. 6, 2026, claiming it can carry nuclear-armed missiles.
Kim Jong Un and his daughter attended the ceremony, toured the warship and praised its value.

History

Historical Context

Since its 1971 debut, RIMPAC has grown into the world’s largest maritime drill, fielding 57 vessels and over 200 aircraft in 1994 and 20,000 personnel by 2010. This tradition of U.S., Japanese and South Korean cooperation set the stage for the 2026 Jeju exercise, where destroyers from the three navies and roughly 2,300 sailors trained together as North Korea tested a new missile.

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Story summary

South Korea, United States and Japan began a Freedom Edge exercise near Jeju Island on Sept. 7, 2026.
The drill uses naval, air, cyber forces, data sharing, air defense and interdiction.
Six destroyers, including USS Benfold, and about 2,300 personnel participated.
North Korea commissioned its 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon on Sept. 6, 2026, claiming it can carry nuclear-armed missiles.
Kim Jong Un and his daughter attended the ceremony, toured the warship and praised its value.

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