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U.S., ROK Air Forces begin combined airpower exercise Freedom Flag 25-1

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
  • Seventh Air Force
GWANGJU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  

U.S. service members and Republic of Korea Air Force personnel began combined flying training exercise Freedom Flag 25-1 here April 21.

The exercise, which is scheduled through May 2, is designed to enhance the combined readiness and interoperability of U.S. and ROK forces, strengthening the alliance and contributing to regional stability. It also includes U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army participation.

Freedom Flag 25-1 was designed to replicate high-intensity large force exercise scenarios, providing realistic and challenging training in a combined, joint environment. The exercise focuses on developing critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and complex mission execution skills across all warfighting domains.

"Freedom Flag is a vital opportunity to enhance our combined capabilities, strengthen our alliance with the Republic of Korea, and deter regional competitors,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Andreas Ziegler, director of Seventh Air Force Operations and Plans. “This exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to peace and security in the region."

As the second iteration of the Freedom Flag exercise, which began October 2024, this event emphasizes dynamic targeting, enabling a rapid response to fleeting and mobile targets. The exercise will improve coordination between air and other participating forces for effective target engagement, showcasing the combined ability to neutralize targeted capabilities swiftly and decisively across domains. Participants will execute full “kill-chain” operations, demonstrating seamless integration from intelligence to confirmed target neutralized.

“Dynamic targeting training pushes our forces to identify, decide, and strike in real time,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert F. Guyette, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214 commander. “Our training emphasizes the F-35’s advanced sensors and the overall battlefield awareness they provide in conjunction with joint and allied assets needed for winning tomorrow’s fight.”

The exercise also showcases advanced capabilities, such as dispersed combined planning and MQ-9 integration in Korea. Robust tanker support will enable extended reach and endurance for allied airpower, and joint partners like U.S. Special Operations Command Korea will integrate to enhance multi-domain awareness. Advanced air control through units like the 621st Air Control Squadron will be utilized for precise and coordinated air operations.

Freedom Flag 25-1 underscores the more than 70-year strong U.S.-ROK Alliance, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional stability and security. The exercise fosters trust, understanding, and interoperability between allied forces through challenging, realistic scenarios. Its visible demonstration of combined readiness contributes to deterring potential adversaries and maintaining peace in the region.