North Korea has warned of unspecified "stern measures" against the United States and South Korea ahead of the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which Pyongyang called a "rehearsal for an aggressive war." Two ballistic missile launches were detected off the North's east coast last week, and analysts say such rhetoric often precedes additional weapons tests. Washington and Seoul maintain the drills are defensive and similar in scope to past years. Experts note Kim Jong Un has prioritized expanding his nuclear and missile programs since diplomatic talks with the U.S. collapsed in 2019.
North Korea Warns Of 'Stern Measures' Ahead Of Ulchi Freedom Shield; Missile Launches Detected
FILE - A vehicle from U.S. Army's the Stryker Combat Team crosses a floating bridge on the Namhan River during the combined river-crossing drill between South Korea and the United States as a part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 in Yeoju, South Korea, Aug. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)
SEOUL (AP) — North Korea on Friday warned it would take unspecified, "stern measures" against the United States and South Korea ahead of their planned joint military exercises, calling the drills a "rehearsal for an aggressive war" and saying they would be more provocative than last year's training.
Tensions Rise Ahead Of Ulchi Freedom Shield
The U.S. and South Korean militaries are set to begin the large, 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises on Monday. Officials in Washington and Seoul say the drills are defensive and similar in scope to prior years, intended to strengthen readiness against North Korean threats.
Pyongyang's Response
In a statement carried by state media, North Korea's Foreign Ministry accused the allies' activities of producing "a different degree of instability" in the region and vowed to respond with a "new level of a deterrent" against what it described as escalating threats. The statement said Pyongyang would "more clearly express its stance on the enemies to cope with any threats and challenges through the responsible and decisive exercise of the right to legitimate self-defense."
North Korea called the drills a 'rehearsal for an aggressive war' and said they would be more serious and dangerous than last year.
Military Movements And Tests
Neighbors of North Korea detected two ballistic missile launches off the country's east coast in the past week. Pyongyang has not commented on those launches; outside analysts say they were likely intended either as a protest against the allied drills or as tests to develop or upgrade weapons systems. Experts also warn the rhetoric commonly precedes additional missile activity when U.S.-South Korea exercises take place.
Wider Geopolitical Context
Since high-level diplomacy with the United States stalled in 2019, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has focused on strengthening his country's nuclear and missile capabilities. Analysts say Pyongyang may ultimately pursue advances to extract greater concessions from Washington, such as sanctions relief.
There are reports that North Korea has expanded ties with Russia — including allegations of arms transfers and, according to some sources, limited manpower support in exchange for economic or military assistance — although some details remain unverified. Pyongyang has also sought closer economic and diplomatic links with China, its largest trading partner.
What To Watch
Allies say the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are defensive, but officials and observers will be closely monitoring North Korea for further missile tests or other provocative steps in the coming days.
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