Seoul: South Korea and the United States will hold a major annual joint military exercise, Freedom Shield, next week aimed at enhancing their joint defense capabilities against North Korean military threats. The exercise encompasses computer simulation exercises and field exercises.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a joint statement from the armies of both countries revealed that South Korean and US units will engage in joint field training exercises with live ammunition. These exercises will cover land, sea, air, cyber, and space in an integrated manner, focusing on improving interoperability.

South Korea plans to deploy approximately 19,000 soldiers for the exercises, with the two sides scheduled to conduct 16 large-scale field exercises, an increase from the 10 exercises conducted last year. Freedom Shield is one of two major annual exercises for the allies, preparing forces for a comprehensive war scenario. The other exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield, typically occurs in August.