Military leaders from the United States and South Korea announced Wednesday that the two nations will hold their major annual joint training exercise, Freedom Shield, from March 9 through March 19.
Defense officials described the yearly military exercise as “defensive in nature” during a briefing, although this characterization has not stopped North Korea from consistently criticizing these training operations as preparation for an attack.
The upcoming drills will also help advance ongoing efforts to transition wartime military command from American forces to South Korean control, according to military leaders from both countries.
Previous training exercises, including the 2023 version, included comprehensive multi-domain and command center exercises designed to enhance military readiness for this transition.
South Korea has set a goal to assume full wartime military command from the United States before President Lee Jae Myung completes his presidential term in 2030.
Military officials from both nations confirmed that next month’s joint training will include practice scenarios addressing North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities.
While President Lee has attempted to rebuild damaged diplomatic relations with North Korea, Pyongyang has rejected these diplomatic overtures.
South Korean news outlets had earlier reported that Seoul suggested reducing the scope of field training components of Freedom Shield to support diplomatic engagement, but the United States opposed these changes.
Military officials confirmed to Reuters that discussions about modifying the field exercises remain active and will continue until the final moments before the drills begin.
Meanwhile, North Korea is currently conducting the ruling Workers’ Party’s Ninth Congress, its most significant political gathering, which military experts believe may end with a parade in Pyongyang displaying the country’s newest military equipment.
