The South Korean and U.S. Air Forces have been conducting a large-scale joint air exercise called Freedom Flag from October 21 to November 1, the South Korean Air Force announced on Thursday.
Freedom Flag is a combined exercise that integrates the Korea Flying Training (KFT) conducted in the year’s first half and the Vigilant Defense exercise conducted in the second half. It is now held twice annually under a single name.
This exercise features approximately 110 air assets from South Korea and the U.S., including South Korea’s F-35A, F-15K, (K)F-16, FA-50, KC-330, MC-130K, as well as the U.S. Forces Korea and Japan’s F-35B, F-16, A-10, and MQ-9.
For the second consecutive year, the Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30A aerial refueling aircraft has joined the drills, reinforcing cooperation with South Korean and U.S. forces.
During the first week of the training, which began on October 21, South Korean and U.S. commanders and staff are operating a mission planning cell to discuss detailed plans for mission execution and training tactics with pilots from both nations.
The second week, starting on October 28 will focus on practical joint air training. The South Korean and U.S. air forces will verify and enhance their combined operational capabilities through missions such as air interdiction, defensive counter-air, air-to-air refueling, and close air support.
Notably, this exercise marks the first time fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles have conducted joint operations. Drawing from recent battlefield experiences, South Korea and the U.S. aim to improve their operational capabilities and combat readiness by integrating manned and unmanned aircraft. The MC-130K will also conduct training to enhance survivability during air infiltration into enemy territory.
Furthermore, South Korean Air Force fighters, including the F-35A, F-15K, and KF-16, will engage in air refueling training with the Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30A. This will be the inaugural air refueling training session between South Korean F-35As and Australian KC-30As.
During the exercise, pilots and refueling controllers from South Korea’s KC-330, the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135, and Australia’s KC-30A will also participate in an exchange program, observing each other’s refueling procedures and discussing ways to improve them.
South Korean Air Force Operations Commander Kim Hyung Soo stated, “Freedom Flag, grounded in the values of safeguarding freedom and peace on the Korean Peninsula, will enhance the effectiveness of our combined tactics and techniques, further strengthen our joint mission capabilities, and serve as a stepping stone for expanding into larger-scale exercises.”
Lt. Gen. David Iverson, commander of the U.S. 7th Air Force, emphasized the significance of the exercise, stating that it showcases the strong synergy between the South Korean and U.S. Air Forces in deterring threats and maintaining readiness. He expressed hope that the exercise could evolve into a large-scale multinational joint exercise, similar to Red Flag, in the future.