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

Trump tariffs send world markets into panic

US benchmark crude oil shed $2.70 to $64.25 a barrel after major oil producers announced they plan to increase production. Brent crude, the international standard, was down $2.63 at $67.51 a barrel

EU prepares retaliation for Trump’s tariffs

The European Commission is assembling a fresh round of counter-tariffs aimed at US goods, adding to two existing lists of potential targets—one of which includes products that were hit by suspended tariffs

US, EU slam China’s war games near Taiwan

US President Donald Trump underscored the need to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for a diplomatic approach to cross-strait tensions while warning against the use of force The United States

£13.9 billion of R&D fund to boost innovation, jobs

Funding outlined to support transformational R&D in areas like life sciences, green energy, engineering and beyond More UK innovators like those developing treatment-transforming dementia tests or building world-leading testing facilities to power

OPEC+ accelerates oil output hikes

Despite the production boost, the group emphasised that future adjustments remain flexible and could be paused or reversed depending on market conditions. Eight OPEC+ nations have unexpectedly decided to accelerate their oil
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US CRACKS DOWN ON INDIAN FIRMS

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 274 targets, while

New York Sindhi groups seek freedom from Pakistan

The activists will hold a conference to address issues like