[Edaily Reporter kim kwanyong ] South Korean and U.S. military authorities will conduct the "Ulchi Freedom Shield" (hereinafter "UFS") joint military exercise—scheduled for the second half of this year—for 10 days starting on the 17th.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff and the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command announced on the 10th, “South Korea and the U.S. have decided to conduct the UFS exercise from August 17 to 27 to solidify their combined defense posture.”

This UFS exercise is a defensive exercise conducted annually by South Korea and the U.S., and officials explained that realistic situations, including the results of recent post-exercise analyses, have been incorporated into the exercise scenario.

Regarding the UFS exercise, the two countries stated, “It will serve as an opportunity to strengthen the combined defense posture of the ROK-U.S. alliance, including combined and joint operations across all domains, and to continue preparations for the transfer of wartime operational control based on the conditions agreed upon by the ROK and the U.S.”

They also emphasized that they “will support inter-ministerial cooperation at the South Korean government level to strengthen national emergency preparedness, ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and safety, and develop an integrated government response system for wartime preparedness and the defense of the Republic of Korea.”

During the joint exercise, the ROK and the U.S. will conduct the alliance training exercise “WARRIOR SHIELD,” which is essential for the defense of the Republic of Korea and linked to the exercise scenario. Aimed at enhancing combat effectiveness and combat readiness, it is reported that 14 joint field training exercises will be conducted.

An official from the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, “To maintain a constant combined defense posture and enhance capabilities, South Korea and the U.S. are integrating combined field training exercises at the battalion level and above and conducting them in a balanced manner throughout the year,” adding, “To this end, the combined field training exercises were planned through close consultation between South Korea and the U.S. from the planning stage, and they are scheduled to focus primarily on essential training linked to the exercise scenarios.”

The UN Command also plans to include UN Command member nations in this UFS. The Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission plans to observe compliance with the Armistice Agreement.

U.S