US-ROK 'Freedom Shield' Joint Exercise... North Korea Holds Response Meeting

South Korea and the U.S. Prepare for Longest Ever Joint Exercise (11 Days)

As South Korea and the United States announced the Freedom Shield (FS) joint exercise, North Korea responded with a countermeasure meeting.

According to military authorities on the 12th, South Korea and the U.S. will conduct the FS exercise from the 13th to the 23rd, marking the longest duration ever. The FS exercise aims to check the joint defense posture and strengthen deterrence against North Korea. It includes large-scale outdoor maneuver training.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

South Korea and the U.S. will conduct the exercise with scenario customization reflecting the latest security environment, including North Korea's nuclear and missile advancements and the Ukraine war. The combined forces will examine operations to prevent a full-scale provocation by North Korea at the start of a conflict and to stabilize North Korean territory after a successful counterattack.

North Korea responded. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, held the 5th expanded meeting of the 8th Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party on the 12th. Chairman Kim decided on significant practical measures to effectively exercise war deterrence.

North Korea is expected to demonstrate military force during the FS exercise period by launching missiles and multiple rocket launchers and conducting large-scale maneuver training. South Korean and U.S. military authorities have strengthened surveillance and alert postures against North Korea in preparation for this.