South Korea, US launch Ulchi Freedom Shield drills amid North Korea tensions

On August 18, South Korea and the United States began their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, aimed at strengthening joint defence readiness against potential threats from North Korea. 

The 11-day drills, running through August 28, incorporate scenarios designed to address “realistic” threats across multiple domains, with some 18,000 South Korean troops participating, Caliber.Az reports, citing Japan media.

While the overall scale of this year’s exercises remains similar to last year, about half of the 40 planned field training exercises have been postponed to September. Officials said the adjustment reflects efforts by South Korea to ease tensions with North Korea.

Pyongyang has historically criticised the U.S.-South Korea drills as rehearsals for invasion and often responds with weapons tests. On August 10, North Korea’s defence chief condemned the upcoming exercises and warned of exercising the country’s “self-defence” rights if provoked.

Seoul and Washington have stressed that the UFS exercises are strictly defensive in nature. The drills will run alongside a four-day civil defence exercise, mobilising approximately 580,000 civilians to respond to drone attacks, cyber threats, and other contingencies.

In addition, a nationwide anti-air raid civil defence drill is scheduled for August 20 as part of the broader exercise program.

By Khagan Isayev