July 21, 2022
1 min read

S. Korea, US to revive combined drills abolished in 2018

The exercise set for August 22 – September 1 is likely to combine the computer simulation-based command post training, field maneuvers and Ulchi civil contingency drills ….reports Asian Lite News

South Korea and the United States are expected to revive a comprehensive combined military exercise abolished in 2018, Seoul officials said on Thursday, amid the allies’ efforts to reinforce deterrence against North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats.

The exercise set for August 22 – September 1 is likely to combine the computer simulation-based command post training, field maneuvers and Ulchi civil contingency drills — a makeup tantamount to a revival of the Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) drills, Yonhap news agency reported.

The UFG was abolished in 2018 under the then liberal Moon Jae-in administration, as it remained keen on facilitating diplomacy with the North, which has decried the exercise as a war rehearsal.

On Wednesday, the interior ministry said the four-day Ulchi drills are scheduled to kick off on August 22 — an indication the drills have been timed to coincide with the allied summertime training.

Launched in 1968 following a North Korean commando raid in Seoul, the Ulchi exercise is designed to practice responses to possible emergencies, like cyberterrorism and an artillery attack.

Seoul and Washington have also been in talks on newly naming their upcoming exercise, the defence ministry here said.

“The list of the new government’s policy tasks included changing the name of the South Korea-US theatre-level combined training,” Col. Moon Hong-sik, deputy spokesperson of the ministry, told a regular press briefing. “Related consultations are in progress, and we will make an announcement once a decision is made.”

Among the new names under consideration are the “Ulchi Freedom Shield” or a name including the word “alliance,” according to media reports.

From 1976 through 2007, the allies’ summertime exercise was called the Ulchi Focus Lens (UFL). The UFL consisted of the Ulchi exercise and the combined Focus Lens drills launched in 1954 by the US-led UN Command.

The exercise took the new name, the UFG, in 2008. It had been held under that name until 2017.

ALSO READ: Biden seeks to revive climate agenda

Previous Story

Biden tests Covid positive

Next Story

Democratic group sues FEC over Trump’s 2024 hinting

Latest from -Top News

Vatican Hosts Final Rites for Pope Francis

The Argentine-born pontiff, the first from Latin America, died less than a month after returning home from a prolonged five-week hospitalisation for double pneumonia….reports Asian Lite News In an outpouring of global

US Backs India’s Hunt for Pahalgam Terrorists

Gabbard’s “hunt down” message comes amidst escalating Indian response to the terrorist attack, saying it had clear “cross-border” links to Pakistan….reports Asian Lite News Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on

Border Sealed, Hopes on Hold

A Hindu family from Balochistan’s Sibi was reportedly denied entry into India after the closure of border crossing….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan and India’s decision to shut down the Wagah-Attari border crossing

West visits Cambodia to strengthen ties 

The visit also addresses shared security concerns, including combating serious organised crime and human trafficking, and future defence cooperation initiatives  The UK and Cambodia are collaborating to advance climate initiatives and promote
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US destroys last of its chemical weapons stockpile

The OPCW is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons

Explosion on Border Bridge Puts US, Canada on High Alert

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that “at this time”