In a display of enduring military partnership and shared commitment to security on the Korean Peninsula, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and United States launched the joint airpower exercise Freedom Flag.
The large-scale exercise, which ran from April to May 2025 at Gwangju Air Base in South Korea, brought together the Air Forces of both nations, along with U.S. elements from the Army, Marine Corps and Navy in a simulation of high-intensity joint operations.
The drills were designed to meet rapidly evolving security challenges by focusing on seamless coordination across multiple platforms. During the exercise, pilots operated in realistic environments that replicated the pressures and time constraints of aerial combat. This preparation is critical as it enables the forces to test tactics that incorporate advanced intelligence gathering, swift target identification and precise command and control.
Freedom Flag also integrated fifth-generation combat aircraft. ROK F-35As and U.S. F-35Bs were deployed to play adversary roles against fourth-generation aircraft such as the ROK’s F-15Ks and the U.S.’s F-16s. This juxtaposition of generational platforms enhanced tactical coordination, forcing pilots to adapt rapidly and refine their operational procedures. The pilots harnessed the strengths of fourth-generation upgrades while effectively countering potential threats with legacy systems.
The operation also included unmanned systems such as the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone. These drones executed missions that ranged from air interdiction and defensive counterair maneuvers to dynamic targeting, search and rescue, and close air support. The combination of manned and unmanned systems replicated the complexities of modern warfare and underscored the necessity for interoperability.
Rising geopolitical tensions in the region further amplified the significance of Freedom Flag. North Korea’s ongoing nuclear threats have heightened the urgency for joint military preparations. In recent months, Pyongyang has increased its pace of ballistic missile launches — including tests of long-range systems capable of reaching distant targets. In April 2025, North Korea unveiled a multipurpose destroyer designed to handle various weapons systems, including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Freedom Flag served as a deterrent to the North’s aggression, showcasing a united front capable of rapid and decisive action to emerging threats.
Beyond North Korea’s provocations, the broader Indo-Pacific security landscape has also seen dramatic shifts. Notably, China’s expanding military presence in areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait have prompted the U.S. to reinforce its commitment to regional partnerships.
For the ROK, the joint exercise represented more than a display of military might; it is a vital component of its ongoing efforts to modernize its capabilities. Freedom Flag, which is now in its second iteration after the inaugural exercise in October 2024, will be instrumental in refining tactics and ensuring that both the ROK and U.S. forces can operate together seamlessly.