Japan, the ROK, and the United States will begin the second multi-domain Japan-US-ROK joint exercise “Freedom Edge” (“Freedom Edge 24-2”) on November 13, 2024.
“Freedom Edge” will continue to demonstrate the defense posture and strong will of the three countries to promote multi-domain interoperability and protect freedom for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, including the Korean Peninsula.
This exercise reflects the results of “Freedom Edge,” which was agreed upon at the Camp David Summit in August last year and was first conducted among the three countries in June this year. “Freedom Edge 24-2” will be conducted in accordance with and in accordance with the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework signed by the defense ministers of Japan, the U.S., and the ROK in July. During the signing, the defense ministers of Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea renewed their commitment to contributing to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-Pacific, and beyond.
The exercise will involve Japanese, ROK, and U.S. ships and aircraft, including:
Japan: destroyer Haguro, P-3, F-15, F-2, and E-767
Korea: destroyers Soe Yu Song-nyeong and Chungmoo-gon Yi Soon-shin, P-3, F-35, and F-15
U.S.: aircraft carrier George Washington, destroyers Higgins, McCampbell, Dewey, P-8, F-35, F-18, and KC-135
The exercise will incorporate fifth-generation fighter jets into an advanced multi-domain defense platform to demonstrate cutting-edge air defense capabilities. The incorporation of fifth-generation fighter jets into combined ballistic missile countermeasure training, air defense combat training, anti-submarine warfare training, anti-surface warfare training, anti-piracy training, and cyber attack countermeasure training will ensure that the military and joint forces of the Self-Defense Forces can operate together at the highest level against all threats. The three countries will continue to work closely together to further strengthen cooperation in a complex security environment.