South Korea, Japan, US to conduct joint nuclear deterrence drill

South Korea, Japan and the United States will conduct joint military exercises focused on nuclear deterrence and missile defence, according to defence officials from the three nations. The annual Freedom Edge drills, scheduled to take place in international waters, are designed to strengthen coordinated responses to North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. The exercises are characterised as defensive in nature and demonstrate the three countries' commitment to maintaining stability in Northeast Asia. The trilateral partnership has intensified in recent years amid escalating North Korean weapons development and growing regional security concerns. The drills will involve naval and air assets from all three nations practising integrated command and control procedures, surveillance operations and coordinated tactical responses. Officials emphasised that the exercises are consistent with international law and pose no threat to regional security or stability. The Freedom Edge drills form part of a broader framework of US-led security commitments in Asia-Pacific, including bilateral alliances with both South Korea and Japan.