The US and South Korea on Monday began their largest joint military exercise since 2018. The importance of the joint exercise lies in restoring the alliance between the United States and South Korea and consolidating the joint defense structure, the Ministry of Defense said in Seoul.
Both countries have a tradition of joint drills, which they describe as purely defensive, but which North Korea sees as drills for an invasion.
The US is Seoul’s main ally and has deployed 28,500 troops in South Korea to protect the country from nuclear-armed neighbor North Korea. With the “Ulchi Freedom Shield” exercise, both countries are resuming their joint maneuvers, which had been scaled back due to the corona pandemic. They also represent the failure of diplomatic efforts to deal with Pyongyang.
No further details were given about the maneuver, which lasted until September 1st. They usually include field exercises involving aircraft, warships and tanks, and tens of thousands of soldiers.
The two sides agreed last week to “expand the scale and scope of joint military exercises” in light of the increase in North Korean missile tests. The current maneuver should “strengthen joint readiness”.
