Freedom Edge 26 concludes, advancing trilateral readiness across the Indo-Pacific

11 September 2026

Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States concluded Exercise Freedom Edge 26 on Sept. 11.

Personnel from U.S., Japanese, and Republic of Korea armed forces, pose for a group photo after the conclusion of Freedom Edge 26 at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan, Sep. 11, 2026. Trilateral exercises and operations like Freedom Edge demonstrate our continued partnership and the growth of our trilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class T’ara Tripp)

A U.S. Airforce Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft participates in an air refueling exercise with fighter aircraft from Republic of Korea Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force in international airspace, Sept. 10, 2026, in support of Freedom Edge 26. Trilateral exercises and operations like Freedom Edge demonstrate our continued partnership and the growth of our trilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. (Courtesy Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Hong Kwanyeong, Republic of Korea Air Force)

U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) steams in formation with Republic of Korea Navy Sejong the Great-class guided-missile destroyers ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-Ryong (DDG 993), far left, ROKS Yulgok Yi (DDG 177), far right, Cheonji-class fast combat support ship ROKS Cheonji (AOE 57), center left, and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Atago-class guided-missile destroyer JMDFS Atago (DDG 177) during a maritime maneuvering exercise in the Western Pacific Ocean, Sept. 10, 2026, in support of Freedom Edge 26. Trilateral exercises and operations like Freedom Edge demonstrate our continued partnership and the growth of our trilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. Benfold is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Oscar Diaz)

U.S. Navy Seaman Angelaada Igoche stands watch on the starboard bridge wing aboard while Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) steams alongside Sejong the Great-class guided-missile destroyer ROKS Yulgok Yi I (DDG 992) during a maritime maneuvering exercise with Republic of Korea Navy and Japan Maritime Defense Force in the Western Pacific Ocean, Sept. 10, 2026, in support of Freedom Edge 26. Freedom Edge is a premier, annual trilateral exercise designed to strengthen defensive cooperation, bolster interoperability, and safeguard shared values between Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States. Benfold is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Oscar Diaz)

U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Alexander Carabajal stands watch on the starboard bridge wing aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) while Republic of Korea Navy Sejong the Great-class guided-missile destroyer ROKS Yulgok Yi I (DDG 992) steams alongside during a maritime maneuvering exercise with Republic of Korea Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in the Western Pacific Ocean, Sept. 10, 2026, in support of Freedom Edge 26. Trilateral exercises and operations like Freedom Edge demonstrate our continued partnership and the growth of our trilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. Benfold is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Oscar Diaz)

The five-day exercise brought together maritime, air, medical, and cyber forces from all three nations for integrated training designed to improve coordination, sharpen interoperability and strengthen trilateral defensive readiness. The exercise took place across international waters and airspace south and east of the Republic of Korea, as well as at military installations and command posts in Japan.

“Freedom Edge 26 built on the foundation of previous iterations through increasingly complex trilateral training. What began as a maritime-focused effort in the first iteration of Freedom Edge, now integrates air, maritime, missile defense, cyber and medical capabilities in a more connected training environment,” said Lt. Col. Matthew McNeal, Exercise Control Group Director, U.S. Pacific Command.

Throughout the exercise, participating forces trained across a series of events that tested how quickly and effectively the three nations could communicate and operate together. Ships operated in formation and practiced replenishment-at-sea while maritime and aviation crews rehearsed conducting multilateral medical evacuation and search and rescue operations. Air crews flew in multinational formations, while command-and-control teams synchronized actions across multiple domains.

“Freedom Edge was a valuable opportunity for Japan, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea to enhance our defensive capabilities, which contribute to a security environment that does not tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo,” said Capt. Takenori Koga, Exercise Control Group Director, Japan Joint Staff.

Teams also expanded trilateral air defense communication and refined real-time data-sharing procedures during the exercise. Cyber planners and command post personnel worked through coordination drills that helped connect information flows between the three countries and support faster decision-making across the battlespace.

“Built on mutual understanding and trust, Freedom Edge served to further elevate the level of security cooperation among the ROK, U.S., and Japan,” said Capt. Daeik Kim, Exercise Control Group Director, Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff.

This year’s iteration concluded with gift exchanges of coins, patches, and other souvenirs as well as a group photo of all exercise control group planners in front of the U.S. Forces Japan Headquarters at Yokota, Air Base, Japan.