The USA, Japan, and South Korea Pledge to Launch Freedom Edge

The USA, Japan, and South Korea Launch New Multi-Domain ‘Freedom Edge’ Exercise Series

In an unprecedented move to strengthen their security alliance, the United States, Japan, and South Korea have announced the launch of a new trilateral exercise series known as Freedom Edge. This exercise series, designed to enhance military coordination across multiple domains, underscores the growing regional cooperation between the three nations in the face of mounting security challenges, particularly from North Korea and China. The announcement was made following a high-level trilateral ministerial meeting held in Singapore during the International Institute of Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in 2024.

A Milestone in Trilateral Cooperation

The announcement of the Freedom Edge exercise series marks a significant step in the evolving military and strategic partnership between the USA, Japan, and South Korea. The three nations have long cooperated on regional security issues, but this is the first time they are committing to a multi-domain exercise on such a scale. The exercise will span land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace, aiming to improve interoperability between the forces of these nations and their ability to respond to regional threats.

The decision to launch Freedom Edge follows the August 2023 Camp David Summit, where leaders from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea agreed on a multi-year plan to institutionalize their security cooperation. At that summit, the nations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader Indo-Pacific region. This exercise series is the practical implementation of that pledge.

According to a joint statement from the trilateral meeting, “The Secretary [U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III] and the Ministers [Japan Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara and South Korea Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik] decided to execute the first iteration of the new, multi-domain trilateral exercise, Freedom Edge, this summer. They reaffirmed that trilateral exercises will be executed in a systematic manner in accordance with the multi-year trilateral exercise plan.”

The Strategic Importance of Freedom Edge

The Freedom Edge exercise series is not only a military initiative but also a geopolitical statement. The Indo-Pacific region has seen increasing tensions due to North Korea’s missile tests and China’s assertive behavior in the South China Sea. The exercise aims to address these challenges by enhancing the ability of the U.S., Japan, and South Korea to conduct joint operations and deter potential aggression.

One of the key objectives of Freedom Edge is to strengthen deterrence against North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile capabilities. North Korea has been expanding its nuclear delivery systems and conducting frequent ballistic missile tests, in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The most recent provocation came in late May 2024, when North Korea attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite, which ended in failure as the rocket exploded shortly after liftoff. In response, South Korea staged a large-scale air drill, signaling its resolve to counter any future threats.

The U.S., Japan, and South Korea have all condemned North Korea’s actions, emphasizing the importance of trilateral cooperation in deterring Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions. The joint statement from the trilateral meeting reaffirmed the three nations’ commitment to achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

Multi-Domain Exercises: A New Approach to Modern Warfare

The Freedom Edge exercise series is unique in its focus on multi-domain operations. In modern warfare, the ability to operate seamlessly across different domains—land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace—is crucial. This exercise will test the coordination of military forces in complex, multi-domain environments, ensuring that the U.S., Japan, and South Korea can respond swiftly and effectively to any threat.

The inclusion of space and cyberspace in the exercise is particularly noteworthy. In recent years, both North Korea and China have made advancements in cyber warfare capabilities and space-based military technologies. The Freedom Edge exercises will help the three nations enhance their defenses in these areas, ensuring that they can protect critical infrastructure, communication systems, and satellite networks in the event of a conflict.

Additionally, the maritime component of Freedom Edge is expected to focus on the South China Sea, where China’s territorial claims and aggressive actions have raised concerns among its neighbors. Both Japan and South Korea have expressed their commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which China is accused of violating through its maritime activities. By conducting joint naval exercises, the three allies will reinforce their shared commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

Broader Implications for Regional Security

The launch of Freedom Edge comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific region is witnessing a complex web of security challenges. In addition to North Korea’s nuclear threat, Russia’s actions in Ukraine and China’s assertive behavior have contributed to an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. During the trilateral meeting, the defense chiefs of the U.S., Japan, and South Korea discussed the implications of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, condemning the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The three nations also shared concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea, with the statement highlighting the importance of adhering to international law.

Furthermore, the Freedom Edge exercise series aligns with broader U.S. efforts to strengthen alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. has prioritized deepening ties with its allies in the region, including through initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with Japan, India, and Australia. The trilateral cooperation with Japan and South Korea complements these efforts and enhances the overall security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Freedom Edge

The USA, Japan, and South Korea are expected to make the Freedom Edge exercise series a cornerstone of trilateral security cooperation. While the first iteration of the exercise will take place this summer, it is part of a multi-year plan that will see continued collaboration and refinement of joint operational capabilities.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the ability of the USA, Japan, and South Korea to work together will be critical to maintaining regional stability. The Freedom Edge exercises will not only enhance military readiness but also strengthen the political and diplomatic ties between the three nations.

In conclusion, the launch of Freedom Edge represents a significant milestone in USA-Japan-South Korea relations. As they face growing threats from North Korea and China, these three nations are taking proactive steps to ensure their collective security and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Through this multi-domain exercise series, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea are sending a strong message of unity, resilience, and commitment to upholding the rules-based international order.