IRIA News

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The South Korean and U.S. military have launched the latest edition of Freedom Flag on October 26, 2026. The large-scale joint air exercise is aimed at improving combat readiness and strengthening coordination between their air forces.

The exercise will run through November 6 at Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan, about 180 kilometers southwest of Seoul. The semi-annual exercise brings together aircraft from the South Korean Air Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps.

The training focuses on defensive counter-air operations, air interdiction, and airborne alert interdiction, while also evaluating how the allies can coordinate air missions under modern battlefield conditions.

South Korea is deploying a broad range of combat and support aircraft, including F-5E/F, F-15K and KF-16 fighters, FA-50 light attack aircraft and F-35A stealth fighters.

The contingent also includes a KC-330 aerial refueling tanker, C-130J transport aircraft, an E-737 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and HH-47 and HH-60 search-and-rescue helicopters.

The U.S. Air Force is contributing F-16 fighters, an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, and a KC-135 aerial refueling tanker. The U.S. Navy is participating with an MH-60S maritime helicopter, while the U.S. Marine Corps is deploying F-35B stealth fighters and MQ-9 unmanned aircraft.

The combination of combat aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, tankers and helicopters will allow the participating forces to practice coordinated missions requiring airspace surveillance, intelligence gathering, aerial refueling and sustained combat operations. The participating militaries have not disclosed the total number of aircraft involved.

Focus on Combined Combat Operations

The exercise includes defensive counter-air (DCA), airborne alert interdiction (XINT), and air interdiction (AI) missions. These activities are designed to improve the allies’ ability to protect friendly airspace, respond to emerging threats, and conduct coordinated strikes against opposing forces.

The two militaries will also operate mission planning cells during both daytime and nighttime hours to refine wartime procedures and improve coordination between their personnel.

The training will examine how fourth-generation fighters, including the F-15K, KF-16, and F-16, can operate alongside fifth-generation F-35A and F-35B aircraft.

Integrating these different aircraft requires coordination in mission planning, surveillance, communications, and the sharing of battlefield information. The exercise is intended to help pilots and operational planners improve their ability to conduct missions as a combined force.

South Korea’s Wartime Command Goal

A major objective of this year’s exercise is to prepare South Korea to assume wartime operational control (OPCON) of combined forces.

South Korea has been working toward taking a leading role in wartime command, with the transition dependent on meeting agreed operational requirements and demonstrating its ability to lead combined operations.

Freedom Flag will include combined training led by South Korea to evaluate its planning and operational capabilities. The exercise provides an opportunity for South Korean personnel to practice coordinating missions with U.S. forces while developing the procedures needed for a potential transfer of wartime operational control.

“We will use this as an opportunity to build teamwork among South Korean and U.S. pilots and sharpen combat skills, while also developing the capabilities needed for the transfer of wartime operational control,” said Col. Lee Seung-hwan, chief of the operations and training division at the South Korean Air Force Operations Command.

Exercise Established in 2024

The exercise Freedom Flag was launched in 2024 and is held twice a year, with editions in the first and second halves of the year.

According to the organizing states, its name combines “Freedom,” symbolizing liberal democracy, and “Flag,” a term commonly used for combined air force exercises. Its name reflects the allies’ stated commitment to defending freedom and peace through their combined defense posture.

The latest exercise continues the two countries’ efforts to improve interoperability across their air forces and other participating military services.

The exercise’s November 6 conclusion will mark the end of two weeks of training focused on combined combat missions, operational planning, and South Korea’s preparations for a greater leadership role in wartime operations.