US, South Korea, and Japan to hold trilateral drill amid North Korean missile tests

Key points

• The US, South Korea, and Japan are set to hold a trilateral military drill.
• North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles in recent weeks, including a short-range test and a second ballistic missile in under a week.
• The US has reduced large-scale amphibious exercises with South Korea due to resource strains in the Middle East and Iran-related demands.
• President Trump has ordered a downsizing of annual US-South Korea military exercises, signaling a shift toward economic integration.
• South Korea has touted approximately $350 billion in US investment commitments in sectors like semiconductors, EVs, and shipbuilding.

Background

In early August 2026, North Korea conducted missile tests ahead of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, prompting protests from Japan and monitoring by the US. By late August, the US announced it would not participate in large-scale amphibious exercises with South Korea due to Middle East deployments, and President Trump ordered a downsizing of annual drills, emphasizing economic ties over security. These developments set the stage for the upcoming trilateral drill.

Why it matters

The trilateral drill signals continued US commitment to regional security despite reduced bilateral exercises with South Korea. It also highlights the tension between US economic priorities and military deterrence in the face of North Korean provocations.

What to watch

The trilateral drill will proceed as planned, while North Korea may continue missile tests. The US and South Korea will likely deepen economic ties, but analysts warn that reduced drills could undermine deterrence.