Freedom Edge Exercise Commences Amid North Korean Naval Expansion

On September 7, 2026, the United States, Japan and South Korea began a five-day Freedom Edge exercise in international waters south of South Korea’s Jeju Island and in the East China Sea. The drill, staged from Yokota Air Base in Japan, integrates air, naval and cyber operations, including real-time data sharing, maritime interdiction and medical-evacuation training.

Stars and Stripes

The Freedom Edge drill follows a recent scaling back of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a reduction, a move presented as a goodwill gesture toward North Korea. At the same time, North Korea commissioned its second 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer, the Kang Kon, which state media says can carry nuclear-armed missiles. The commissioning ceremony, attended by leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, occurred the day before the Freedom Edge launch. North Korean officials have repeatedly framed the trilateral drills as “provocative” and have warned of “strong and reflective countermeasures.”

North Korea adds 2nd naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan hold military drill

• Six destroyers, including the U.S. USS Benfold, participated in the exercise.

Stars and Stripes

• Approximately 2,300 personnel from the three nations were involved, according to U.S. Pacific Command.

Stars and Stripes

• Japan contributed about 560 troops.

North Korea adds 2nd naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan hold military drill

• The newly commissioned Kang Kon destroyer joins the earlier Choe Hyon destroyer, both 5,000 tons and described as capable of carrying conventional and nuclear weapons.

North Korea adds 2nd naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan hold military drill

• Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, commander of U.S.

North Korean defense minister slams trilateral military drills between South Korea, U.S., Japan, vows ‘resolute action’

• **Rear Adm.

Stars and Stripes

• **Vice Adm.

Stars and Stripes

• South Korean President Lee Jae-myung framed Seoul’s role as a “rhythm coordinator” aimed at creating conditions for renewed U.S.–North Korea dialogue.

South Korea, US, Japan begin military drills as Seoul seeks North Korea talks

• Kim Jong Un asserted that the new destroyer “instills fear in the enemies” and deepens “the enemies’ concerns.”

North Korea adds 2nd naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan hold military drill

Sources differ on the total size of the participating force. One report cites 2,300 personnel from the three nations, while another emphasizes 560 Japanese troops without providing a combined figure. No source gives a definitive total count for all three militaries, leaving the exact scale of the exercise unclear.

North Korea adds 2nd naval destroyer as US, South Korea and Japan hold military drill

• “By building familiarity with, and confidence in, each other, we can then move with speed, precision and unified resolve whenever we are called upon to do so, no matter the challenge,” — Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost

Stars and Stripes

The Freedom Edge drill demonstrates a coordinated effort by the United States, Japan and South Korea to enhance interoperability against North Korean missile and nuclear threats. Simultaneously, North Korea’s commissioning of a second destroyer capable of nuclear payloads signals a parallel escalation in naval capability. The juxtaposition of joint training and naval expansion heightens the strategic calculus for all parties, influencing diplomatic overtures such as President Trump’s expressed intent to meet Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s push for renewed dialogue. The exercise’s outcome will shape perceptions of deterrence credibility and may affect future negotiations on denuclearization and regional security.

Stars and Stripes