Ulchi Freedom Shield: Testing Defense Amid Rising Tensions

South Korea and the United States will commence a significant joint military exercise known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, set to begin on August 18, officials announced Thursday. This annual defensive drill has traditionally been a point of contention with North Korea due to its perceived threat.

The exercise will be notably adjusted this year, as South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung-jun mentioned in a briefing. Of the 40 planned training events, 20 will be rescheduled to September due to extreme weather, not political motives, Lee clarified.

This year's Ulchi Freedom Shield will focus on preparing responses to elevated North Korean nuclear threats and will employ advanced technologies inspired by recent conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East. Despite tensions, the exercise will test responses to missile launches, excluding a scenario for a nuclear test by North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies.)