![USFK soldiers conduct river-crossing drills along the Imjin River in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on Thursday, ahead of the early conclusion of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) combined exercise. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/08/21/rcv.YNA.20260820.PYH2026082005670006000_P1.jpg)
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said Friday that 7 of the 14 combined field maneuver drills linked to the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise are proceeding as planned, while the remaining 7 are being adjusted in schedule and scale through ongoing consultations between Seoul and Washington.
"Of the 14 drills in total, 7 are being conducted as planned, and South Korea and the United States are working closely together to ensure the adjusted combined field maneuver drills can be carried out as realistic training," a Defense Ministry official said Friday.
On the 7 drills proceeding as scheduled, the official said each falls on a different date and all are set to be completed by Aug. 28. The remaining 7 are under review, with the two sides "coordinating on future implementation details after adjusting the schedule and scale," the official added.
Asked when a formal declaration ending the UFS exercise would be made, the official said it would come "once the command, including Combined Forces Command, makes the decision."
On whether the Phase 2 counteroffensive scenario drills would be held, the official declined to elaborate, saying scenarios "are classified and have never been disclosed," and noting only that "field maneuver drills are conducted in a balanced manner throughout the year."
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