How joint U.S.-South Korea military exercise prepares for future wars in Korean Peninsula’s urban centers.

South Korean Army soldiers, supported by U.S. troops, carried out intensive counter–Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training during Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 on August 27, 2025, in South Korea. The exercise included simulated decontamination operations in a hazardous environment and urban terrain, underscoring the readiness of allied forces to operate in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threat scenarios.
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South Korean Army soldiers conduct decontamination drills in a simulated hazard zone during urban combat and counter–WMD training at Ulchi Freedom Shield 25, August 27, 2025, in South Korea. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Ulchi Freedom Shield is an annual combined exercise that strengthens the military partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea under the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1953. This year’s program highlighted the enduring commitment of both nations to maintain a robust combined defense posture against evolving regional threats, particularly those emanating from North Korea’s extensive WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) capabilities.

Training in urban terrain is essential because the Korean Peninsula is one of the most densely populated regions in the world, where cities and industrial centers could easily become battlegrounds in the event of conflict. Urban environments present unique challenges, including restricted maneuver space, civilian populations, and critical infrastructure that must be defended or secured. Conducting decontamination drills in simulated urban areas ensures that soldiers can effectively respond to chemical or biological attacks while protecting both military forces and civilians.

The counter-WMD training focused on rapid response and interoperability between U.S. and ROK units, teaching soldiers to identify, contain, and neutralize hazardous materials in complex urban settings. This reflects the operational challenges both militaries might face if North Korea were to employ unconventional weapons against South Korea, where densely populated metropolitan areas are particularly vulnerable.

For the United States, participation in Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 reinforces its Indo-Pacific security strategy, which prioritizes alliances and joint readiness. By conducting combined drills, the U.S. and South Korea ensure that their forces can operate seamlessly together, share intelligence, and integrate command structures. This joint training program strengthens deterrence against North Korean aggression and demonstrates that any attack would be met with a unified and immediate response.

Alongside counter-WMD training, Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 includes live-fire exercises, cyber defense operations, and missile defense coordination. These diverse elements demonstrate the growing complexity of modern warfare and the need for seamless integration of allied capabilities. By combining conventional training with CBRN scenarios and urban operations, the exercise prepares both militaries for the full spectrum of threats they may encounter.

The 2025 edition of Ulchi Freedom Shield demonstrates not only the military strength of the ROK-U.S. alliance but also the political determination of Washington and Seoul to deter aggression and defend South Korea against any threat. By rehearsing responses to unconventional warfare scenarios in urban terrain, the two nations are preparing their forces to adapt quickly to future challenges while ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.