South Korea and the United States have commenced their annual summer military exercises, known as “Freedom Shield Ulchi,” aimed at enhancing their joint defense readiness against North Korean missile threats and cyberattacks.
The drills, which began on Monday and will run until August 29, are designed to address “realistic threats,” including North Korean missile capabilities, GPS jamming, and recent cyber threats.
These exercises occur as North Korea accelerates its nuclear and missile programs and attempts to launch reconnaissance satellites.
The training will incorporate lessons learned from recent incidents, with a focus on realistic scenarios.
In parallel, South Korea will conduct separate “Ulchi Civil Defense” drills led by the government, simulating a potential nuclear attack from the North, according to Reuters.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has called for full preparedness against North Korea, labeling it as the “most reckless and irrational state in the world.”
He highlighted the potential for conflict, referencing recent events in Ukraine and the Middle East as examples of how quickly war can escalate.
About 19,000 South Korean soldiers are expected to participate in this year’s drills, mirroring last year’s scale, which includes 48 rounds of field exercises, live fire drills, and amphibious operations.
North Korea has consistently criticized such exercises, accusing its adversaries of provoking tensions and preparing for nuclear war.
However, Seoul and Washington maintain that these drills are purely defensive and are a necessary response to the North’s ongoing threats.
