US and South Korea train for combat against Kim Jong Un’s fortified tunnels

In March 2025, U.S. and South Korean forces conducted joint military drills known as Freedom Shield, which aimed to enhance combat readiness and interoperability. This year’s exercises featured approximately 370 troops and utilized advanced technology including robot dogs and drones to prepare for potential conflicts with North Korea. The military drills took place near the heavily fortified border with North Korea, specifically in areas like Yeoncheon, and showcased the integration of uncrewed systems, suggesting a shift toward modern warfare strategies. During the exercises, the joint forces practiced sealing off North Korean tunnels believed to be strategically significant for military purposes. The drills are partly a response to increased regional tensions and perceived threats from North Korea and China. As North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has consistently criticized U.S.-South Korea military cooperation as provocative, these exercises include realistic storming scenarios of underground facilities that are vital to North Korean military assets. The drills serve as both a deterrent and a preparation strategy, considering the heightened militarization by North Korea, which is suspected of maintaining extensive tunnel networks linked to its leadership and tactical operations. Commanders from both nations reported that the training not only fosters interoperability but also enables troops to share combat strategies and experience in underground warfare. In conjunction with the high-tech equipment used during the drills, such as reconnaissance drones and robot dogs capable of detonating explosives, the joint exercises emphasize a strategic shift in military operations to reduce human risk and enhance efficiency. These annual military exercises have received significant attention and scrutiny, raising concerns about potential escalations in conflict. The response from North Korea has typically been one of disdain and increased military provocations, such as missile tests, following announcements of new U.S.-South Korea drills. As military collaborations continue to evolve in the Pacific region, the implications for security and deterrence in the face of threats from North Korea contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of military alliances in Asia.