North Korea condemns South Korea-U.S.-Japan 'Freedom Edge' exercise... Defense Minister says "will take countermeasures"

[Financial News] North Korea has criticized the trilateral military exercise "Freedom Edge" involving South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, which is being held from the 7th to the 11th. The South Korea-U.S.-Japan Freedom Edge exercise involves the participation of major maritime and air forces from the three countries and is conducted in international waters east and south of Jeju.
North Korean Defense Minister Kim Sung-gi stated in a statement released through the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on the 7th, "If the United States and its allies attempt a new military confrontation with us, we will also take strong and reactive countermeasures from a position of strength."
Six vessels, including Aegis destroyers, as well as maritime patrol aircraft, fighter jets, and aerial refueling tankers, are scheduled to participate in the upcoming South Korea-U.S.-Japan Freedom Edge exercise. North Korea has been in conflict with South Korea even before the exercise began, protesting against Japan's military buildup and the stance of South Korea and the U.S. on denuclearization.
It is reported that the South Korean Navy will participate in this year's trilateral Freedom Edge exercise involving South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, with the 7,600-ton Aegis destroyers ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong and Yulgok Yi Yi. This marks the first time that two South Korean Aegis ships have participated in the Freedom Edge exercise.
On the Japanese side, the Aegis destroyer JS Atago (7,700-ton class), the destroyer JS Asahi (5,100-ton class), P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, SH-60K helicopters, and McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle (F-15) fighter jets are participating in this exercise.
It is reported that U.S. forces participating include the Aegis destroyer USS Benfold (6,900-ton class) and U.S. Forces Korea F-16 fighter jets. The United States Seventh Fleet (Seventh Fleet) announced the arrival of the USS Benfold in Busan on the social media platform X on the 3rd. However, U.S. aircraft carriers will not participate for the second consecutive year, following last year. Previously, the U.S. aircraft carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt and George Washington participated in the 1st and 2nd Freedom Edge exercises, held in June and November 2024, respectively.

[email protected] Kim Kyung-soo Reporter