SEOUL – South Korea's military announced it will conduct a three-day joint exercise with the United States and Japan beginning Wednesday (Nov 13), featuring fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, and the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

The Freedom Edge drill is a response to threats from North Korea, which recently tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, drawing condemnation from Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington.

The exercise also comes after the US State Department reported that North Korean troops have begun participating in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The drill will involve South Korean and Japanese fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, and the USS George Washington, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

This trilateral exercise follows an initial round earlier this year, after the three countries’ leaders agreed in 2023 to conduct annual training drills.

North Korea has consistently condemned joint drills between South Korea and the US, accusing them of preparing for an invasion.

The exercise will also include maritime missile defense and cyber defense training, the JCS stated.

Additionally, the US Air Force announced it will retire its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from key areas, including South Korea, in fiscal year 2025 as part of its modernization plan. The A-10, known as The Warthog, was developed by Fairchild Republic Company, now part of Northrop Grumman.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters